TEHRAN, Iran

Tehran condemned on Friday the latest round of US sanctions, which include measures targeting Iranian Petroleum Minister Mohsen Paknejad and several companies involved in the operation of Iranian oil tanker vessels, describing the sanctions as a "threat to international peace and security."

In a statement, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baqaei strongly condemned the US sanctions.

Referring to the repetitive claims by American officials about their readiness for negotiations, Baqaei stated that “imposing sanctions by the US against Iran is yet another clear proof of the falsity of the claims and a further sign of their hostility toward the development, progress, and prosperity of the Iranian people.”

“The malicious actions of the US to disrupt Iran's economic and trade exchanges with other countries constitute a blatant violation of the fundamental principles and rules of international law and free trade,” said the official.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran holds the US government responsible for the consequences and repercussions of such unilateral and illegitimate actions,” he added.

On Thursday, the US Treasury Department announced that it sanctioned the Iranian petroleum minister and several companies operating Iranian oil transport vessels, marking a continuation of the US’ longstanding pressure campaign against Iran.