Iran Dismisses Threatened US Sanctions as 'Desperate' Amid Hormuz Blockade

Iran's foreign minister on Sunday dismissed an impending round of U.S. sanctions as a sign of "desperation," vowing the new measures would fail to pressure Tehran. The statement comes as Iran maintains a near-total blockade of the critical Strait of Hormuz, roiling global energy markets.

Washington Prepares New Sanctions

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is scheduled to announce what he has termed "the toughest sanctions in history" against Iran at a press conference on Monday, according to reports citing his office. The expected measures are the latest U.S. effort to cripple an Iranian economy already under severe international pressure.

President Donald Trump has warned of economic consequences for any nation that provides "any type of lifeline to Iran." Washington has specifically urged cooperation from China, a key trading partner for Tehran. According to 2025 data from analytics firm Kpler, China purchased more than 80% of Iran's shipped oil.

Tehran Remains Defiant

In a video posted on Telegram, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi described the U.S. plans as "repetitive scenarios." He stated, "The fact that they (U.S. leaders) have moved on from military operations ... to bring up the same old plans shows that they are desperate."

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Araqchi asserted that previous U.S. blockades and military actions have failed and that "this new issue of theirs will fail as well." Separately, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also called for a diplomatic solution, telling the ISNA news agency on Friday it would be "better to end the war today, when we are powerful and have dignity."

Market and Diplomatic Fallout

For nearly six months, Iran has brought shipping to a virtual standstill in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for a significant portion of the world's oil supply. This effective blockade has put sustained upward pressure on global oil prices, creating uncertainty for energy markets and investors.

Amid the escalating rhetoric, diplomatic channels remain active. Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, is expected to visit Tehran on Monday as part of regional mediation efforts, according to a Pakistani government source. The visit underscores the wider international concern over the conflict's potential to further destabilize the region.