Iran Says US Economic War Targets Global Community

TEHRAN: Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei has said the United States’ economic campaign against Iran is not directed solely at the Islamic Republic but also poses a challenge to the wider international community.

Speaking at a press briefing, Baghaei said US economic measures were contrary to freedom of trade and argued that Washington was attempting to make other countries bear the consequences of its own policies.

He said Iran was not responsible for the difficulties created by the current situation and maintained that the United States was seeking to shift the cost of its actions onto the international community.

Baghaei also criticised the leadership of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), describing its chief as being influenced by the United States and Europe.

He warned South Korea and other countries against allowing themselves to be used by Washington in the ongoing confrontation with Tehran.

The Iranian spokesman also said that attacks on commercial vessels had been initiated by the United States, according to Tehran’s position.

Baghaei said the US naval blockade against Iran gave Tehran the right to defend itself.

He maintained that Iran would continue exercising what it considers its right to respond to actions threatening its security and national interests.

His remarks come amid heightened tensions involving Iran and the United States, particularly over maritime security, economic restrictions and military activity in the region.

Baghaei also addressed reports concerning Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

He said the two leaders did not hold a separate meeting in Kyrgyzstan because of their busy schedules, stressing that the absence of such a meeting should not be viewed as an important or significant development.

The Iranian spokesman said Tehran continued to maintain strong relations with China despite the scheduling constraints surrounding the summit.

Baghaei’s latest remarks reflect Iran’s continued opposition to US economic pressure while stressing its broader concerns over trade restrictions, maritime security and the role of international institutions in the ongoing confrontation.