Why is Iran Condemning Recent US Sanctions Before Nuclear Talks?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Iran condemns US sanctions as unlawful.
- Newly identified materials include strategic components.
- Sanctions cast doubt on US diplomatic intentions.
- Iran remains resolute in face of hostility.
- Nuclear talks continue amidst rising tensions.
Tehran, May 23 (NationPress) Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei on Friday vehemently criticized the United States for imposing new sanctions targeting individuals or entities supplying Iran with specific construction materials.
His comments were made via a post on social media platform X, following a statement from the US Department of State on Wednesday. The department alleged that Iran's construction industry is under the control of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, and it identified 10 additional strategic materials utilized by Iran in relation to its nuclear, military, or ballistic missile initiatives.
Materials newly identified by the US include austenitic nickel-chromium alloy, magnesium ingots, sodium perchlorate, tungsten copper, along with certain types of aluminium sheets and tubes.
Baghaei described the US actions as outrageous, unlawful, and inhumane, stating: "The US's multi-faceted sanctions and coercive tactics against Iran have been orchestrated to strip every Iranian citizen of their fundamental human rights, rendering these sanctions tantamount to crimes against humanity."
He pointed out that these sanctions, announced just before the fifth round of indirect nuclear negotiations between Iran and the US, further raise questions regarding the US's commitment to genuine diplomacy.
Baghaei reaffirmed that the Iranian populace is resolved to remain steadfast and resilient against such baseless hostility.
The new sanctions arrive as Iran and the US have engaged in four rounds of discussions regarding Tehran's nuclear program and the lifting of US sanctions since April, with the fifth round scheduled to take place in Rome on Friday, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.
In another post on the Iranian Foreign Ministry's account on X, Baghaei confirmed the arrival of the Iranian negotiating team in Rome for the upcoming talks.