Qalibaf: Iran's Partners Disregard US Threats

The head of the Iranian negotiating delegation, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, affirmed that "no one believes American bluster," citing messages from Iran's trading partners confirming they attach no weight to US threats. Qalibaf explained via the "X" platform that, economically, the United States is not in a position to impose further restrictions on its relations with other countries, and that "no one believes these boastful claims." He noted that Tehran's trading partners have openly declared, through media and direct correspondence, their indifference to such statements. Meanwhile, the U.S. Treasury Department announced an initiative aimed at stifling the Iranian economy and its system, encompassing five vital sectors. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the primary objective of these measures is to isolate Iran and sever its financial ties with the world. For its part, Iran has vowed to retaliate against the expanded U.S. sanctions, which Washington believes will cut off the country's economic lifeline. Tehran expressed confidence in its main trading partners' ability to resist the American pressure campaign. In this context, Iranian Minister of Economy, Ali Madani Zadeh, emphasized his country's full preparedness to confront U.S. sanctions, stating in comments to state television that "the enemies intend to launch an economic terrorist attack on us, but we also have our own tools and know how to play the game. Our defense is no longer so defensive; the enemies should expect an attack." Madani Zadeh concluded by affirming that both China and Russia have rejected the U.S. measures, expecting other countries to follow suit in resisting these sanctions.