Tehran/Washington, May 2, 2025 — Tensions between Iran and the United States escalated once again as Iran condemned a fresh wave of U.S. sanctions imposed amid ongoing nuclear negotiations. The Iranian government criticized Washington’s latest move as “hostile and counterproductive,” warning that such actions would only complicate efforts to reach a diplomatic resolution over its nuclear program.
The new sanctions, announced this week, target Iran’s oil and petrochemical sectors—core pillars of the country’s economy. Former U.S. President Donald Trump, reiterating his hardline stance, called on all countries and companies to completely halt oil imports from Iran. “Any country or person that buys oil or petrochemicals from Iran will not be allowed to do any business with the U.S.,” Trump declared during a press briefing.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson responded sharply, accusing the United States of economic warfare and undermining international dialogue. “These sanctions, in the midst of sensitive nuclear talks, show that the U.S. is not serious about negotiations. They only serve to escalate tensions in the region,” the spokesperson said.
The renewed sanctions come at a critical time as negotiators from Tehran, Washington, and European powers attempt to revive the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the nuclear agreement that Trump unilaterally abandoned in 2018 during his presidency. Since then, relations between the two nations have remained strained, with periodic diplomatic efforts yielding limited progress.
Analysts suggest that Trump’s call for a global boycott could further isolate Iran economically while also putting pressure on U.S. allies, particularly in Europe and Asia, who still rely on Iranian energy exports. However, they also warn that such aggressive tactics could backfire by strengthening hardliners in Iran and destabilizing broader geopolitical efforts in the Middle East.
Despite the heated rhetoric, both U.S. and Iranian officials have not ruled out the possibility of continuing negotiations. “The door to diplomacy remains open,” a U.S. State Department official said, urging Iran to return to full compliance with the JCPOA terms.
For now, the international community watches closely as tensions mount, hoping that a return to talks can defuse the standoff and pave the way for a peaceful solution.
