Iran's Foreign Ministry Calls New US Sanctions 'Economic Terrorism'

Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on Thursday, August 20, 2026 (29 Mordad 1405) in response to fresh US economic sanctions, calling the move "economic terrorism" and "a crime against humanity." According to IRNA, the statement said the US establishment had claimed to impose sweeping economic and trade sanctions on the Iranian nation to coincide with the anniversary of the August 19, 1953 (28 Mordad 1332) coup, framing it as a continuation of 73 years of hostility by American policymakers.

The ministry stressed that the sanctions, imposed after the wars of the past year and a half and a failure to force Iran into submission, would have "not the slightest effect" on Iranians' resolve, describing them as "the other side of the coin of war and military aggression." While condemning the US action, the statement said the Islamic Republic of Iran remains "steadfast and determined" in defending its national security and interests.