US, Iran Exchange Defiant Messages Ahead of New Sanctions; Hormuz Traffic Halted

Tensions flare between the United States and Iran as Washington prepares to announce what it calls "the toughest sanctions in history." The impending measures, scheduled for Monday, are expected to significantly impact Iran's economy and its key trading partners, most notably China, which imports over 80% of Iran's shipped oil.

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the toughest sanctions in history

Ahead of the announcement, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei denounced the planned sanctions as an "assertion of extraterritorial sovereignty over every independent member state of the United Nations." He argued that such secondary sanctions lack any basis in international law. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump warned of economic consequences for any nation providing a "lifeline to Iran," expressing skepticism about Iran's readiness for a favorable deal.

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Such secondary sanctions find no foundation in international law

The conflict, nearing its six-month mark, has seen oil shipments through the critical Strait of Hormuz virtually cease. Iran has threatened to target any unauthorized oil tankers attempting to transit the waterway. U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright noted a drastic reduction in oil flow, down from over 20 million barrels per day to minimal traffic, significantly impacting global energy markets. While U.S. actions have weakened Iran's military and economy, Tehran retains the capability to disrupt shipping and attack regional rivals. Trump's initial objectives, including dismantling Iran's nuclear program and encouraging the overthrow of its leadership, remain unachieved.

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They would love to make a deal, but they're not ready to make the right deal, in my opinion