Iran condemns “outrageous” US sanctions ahead of nuclear talks

Iran has strongly criticised the latest US sanctions announced just before the fifth round of indirect negotiations between the two countries, questioning Washington’s commitment to diplomacy.

On May 23, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Bagai condemned the US measures in a message posted on X (formerly Twitter), following the US State Department’s announcement that individuals and organisations supplying Iran with certain construction materials would face sanctions, Caliber.Az reports, citing Iranian media.

Bagai described the sanctions as “outrageous,” “illegal and inhumane,” calling them “nothing less than crimes against humanity” for depriving the Iranian people of their basic human rights. He added that the continuing rounds of US sanctions have only deepened the conviction among Iranians that American decision-makers are deliberately trying to hinder Iran’s development and progress.

“These sanctions, announced on the eve of the fifth round of indirect talks between Iran and the US, further call into question America’s readiness and seriousness regarding diplomacy,” Bagai said.

The fourth round of indirect nuclear talks was held on May 11 in Muscat, Oman. The talks lasted about three hours and were described by Bagai as “difficult but useful,” helping both sides better understand each other’s positions and explore practical solutions to bridge their differences.

These indirect negotiations, primarily mediated by European and regional intermediaries, aim to prevent further escalation following the breakdown of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The United States withdrew from the deal in 2018 under President Donald Trump, reimposing sanctions on Iran, which subsequently began reducing its commitments under the agreement.

The dialogue process has been facilitated mainly by Oman and Qatar, Gulf states that maintain strong relations with both Washington and Tehran.

The next round is scheduled to be held today, May 23 in Rome.

By Tamilla Hasanova