Kathmandu— Iran has strongly condemned impending United States sanctions, labeling them a “complete erosion of sovereignty” following President Donald Trump’s warning that any country engaging in commerce with Tehran will face punishment. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei asserted the US announcement represents an assertion of extraterritorial authority over UN member states, effectively compelling foreign entities to sever economic ties with Iran. The escalating rhetoric comes amid stalled peace talks and a significant disruption to oil shipment traffic through the vital Strait of Hormuz.

Escalating Sanctions Threat

President Trump announced on Wednesday what he described as “the most crushing economic operation” against Iran, stating that any country whose institutions interact with Tehran would face “tremendous economic consequences.” US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reinforced this stance on Thursday, predicting the new sanctions regime would “collapse” Iran and framing the situation as a stark choice for other nations: “either with us or against us.” Iranian state media noted that Tehran has been subject to US sanctions for decades, while Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed the latest measures as destined to fail.

Sovereignty Concerns

Esmaeil Baghaei, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, argued that no nation can legitimately force foreign banks, enterprises, or airports to cease trade with Iran. He warned that such actions would undermine the foundational principles of the UN-based international system and represent “a recipe for an abysmal return to full-scale classic colonialism.” Araghchi echoed this sentiment on social media, sharing a screenshot of a 2012 tweet from former President Barack Obama referencing earlier sanctions and quipping, “Same bull. Different bullies.”

Strait of Hormuz Disruption

The latest exchange occurs as peace negotiations with Iran have stalled and the US Navy maintains a blockade of Iranian ports. Oil shipment traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has been severely curtailed; ship-tracking data revealed only four commodity ships transited the strait on Thursday, none of which were large crude carriers or liquefied natural gas tankers. However, Iran recently granted permission for several Iraqi oil tankers to pass through the strait following requests from Baghdad during a visit by Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.

US Position

President Trump indicated on Friday that his administration is monitoring the situation, stating, “They would love to make a deal, but they’re not ready to make the right deal in my opinion.” He did not elaborate on what those terms might be. The US has also been blocking Iranian vessels in ports as part of its broader sanctions strategy.

The standoff between Washington and Tehran continues with no immediate resolution in sight, raising concerns about regional stability and global energy markets.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.