“By imposing repetitive sanctions, US officials are just bothering themselves as Iran will not give in to such bans and pressure,” Seyed Abbas Mousavi told Iranian media on Wednesday.
He further advised the US to stop its “unilateral” and “illegal” measures and its playing with international rules and regulations as “their sanctions are ineffective, have domestic consumption, and do not enjoy international backing.”
The Iranian official called on the international community to stand up to the US actions, which he said would affect other countries as well.
US sanctions imposed on Iran’s shipping network took effect on Monday, months after they were announced in December.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in a statement on Monday warned commercial and maritime industries, governments and others that they risked US sanctions if they did business with the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) and its Shanghai-based subsidiary, E-Sail Shipping Company.
“These designations serve as a clear warning that anyone doing business with or otherwise supporting IRISL or E-Sail are exposed to potential sanctions and risk contributing to Iran’s proliferation-sensitive programs, including its nuclear and missile programs,” Pompeo said in the statement.
He also asked governments around the world to investigate activity by the shipping entities in their ports and seas, encouraging them to take appropriate action to stop the activity.