Iran denounces new US sanctions on Russia

TEHRAN, Iran

Iran criticized the US on Friday for imposing new sanctions on Russia, describing the move as a “false step."

Tehran firmly rejects fresh sanctions on Moscow by Washington, Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said in a statement.

It said Washington’s addiction to sanctions against other countries based on groundless allegations has turned into an institutional approach and a change in government did not alter the approach.

The statement was in reaction to US President Joe Biden’s announcement on Thursday of new sanctions against Russia, including the expulsion of 10 diplomats for alleged election interference and hacking.

With the new order, the US Treasury Department prohibits American financial institutions from participating in the primary market for ruble or non-ruble denominated bonds issued after June 14 by Russia's Central Bank, National Wealth Fund, or Ministry of Finance, as well as lending ruble or non-ruble denominated funds to them.

In a tit-for-tat response to the sanctions, Russia said on Friday that it will ask 10 US diplomats to leave the country and take other retaliatory moves.

Moscow will also blacklist eight top US officials and will toughen work rules for US diplomats in Russia, said Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

*Writing by Zehra Nur Duz