New US sanctions ‘a form of revenge’ against Iranian nation: Foreign Ministry

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei says the recent sanctions imposed by the United States against Tehran are a “form of revenge” against the Iranian nation for supporting their homeland in the face of foreign-backed plots.

He made the remarks after US President Donald Trump said on January 12 that countries doing business with Iran will be subjected to a 25% tariff on their trade with the United States.

Trump’s tariff threat came as calm has been restored across Iran after recent riots, which authorities said were fueled by agents supported by the US and Israel.

“The Iranian people have been under oppressive and illegal economic sanctions and pressure from the United States and some of its allies for more than 75 years, under various pretexts,” Baghaei said.

“This reflects the reality of entrenched resentment against the integrity of Iran in the policy-making and political decision-making system in the US,” he added. 

Noting that the sanctions contradict the fundamental principles and rules of the UN Charter and international law, including those governing international trade, the spokesman said, “US economic sanctions, by violating and infringing upon the fundamental rights of every Iranian citizen, constitute a crime against humanity.”

He said those imposing the sanctions “must be held accountable for the consequences and repercussions of these crimes.”

Baghaei warned against the “dangerous effects” of the United States’ unilateral coercive measures on the international trade system, calling on the United Nations and its organizations, including the Secretariat, to fulfill their duties to protect the rule of law at the international level.

He said the Iranian nation, thanks to its capabilities and experience in dealing with oppressive attacks and pressures,  will undoubtedly continue the path of progress and development steadfastly.

What began as peaceful protests late December gradually turned violent, as rioters rampaged through cities across Iran, killing security forces and attacking public property.

Iranian officials have linked the riots and terrorist acts to the US and the Israeli regime, with President Masoud Pezeshkian saying that armed rioters were trained by the US and Israeli spy agencies.

Vice President Mohammad-Reza Aref said the recent riots in Iran marked the second phase of the Israeli regime’s war against the Iranian nation after the 12-day war in June 2025.

On January 12, Iranians from different walks of life took part in nationwide rallies to denounce the foreign-backed riots, demonstrating their unwavering support for the Islamic Republic.

Officials described the nationwide rallies as evidence of unity and solidarity in the face of the enemy's plots to sow chaos and division through mercenaries and terrorists.

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