Iran's foreign minister has dismissed the threat of new United States sanctions as a sign of desperation, saying further measures would fail to force Tehran to yield as the conflict with Washington and Israel continues.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is due to hold a press conference later on Monday, where he has threatened to announce what he described as "the toughest sanctions in history" against Iran.
Iran's economy is already under severe pressure from international sanctions, while its infrastructure has suffered repeated attacks and thousands of people have been killed since the U.S. and Israel launched military operations against the Islamic Republic on 28 February.
Despite the damage caused by the nearly six-month-old war, Tehran has remained defiant and effectively halted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz by preventing unauthorised oil tankers from transiting the vital waterway. The disruption has contributed to higher global oil prices.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi reportedly said in a video posted on Telegram that Washington's return to sanctions after military action demonstrated its lack of options.
He said the U.S. should engage with Iran respectfully to reach a solution based on "justice and honour", adding that previous measures including blockades and military operations had failed.
Meanwhile, Iran said Pakistan's army chief, Asim Munir, would visit Tehran on Monday as part of efforts to restore peace and security in the region, although it provided few details.
Pakistan has been mediating in the conflict, with a Pakistani government source saying Munir would discuss recent developments, including Washington's threat of additional sanctions.
Trump said on Friday that the U.S. was monitoring developments in the conflict, adding that Iran wanted a deal but was not prepared to accept what he considered the right terms.
U.S. attacks have severely weakened Iran's economy and damaged its navy and air force, but Tehran retains sufficient missile and drone capabilities to disrupt oil tanker traffic and target regional rivals.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf said in a post on X that Tehran had received "numerous messages" from neighbouring countries about establishing new regional security arrangements and expanding economic cooperation.
Ghalibaf did not identify the countries involved. He accused Washington of undermining the security of its regional allies in support of Israel and said an independent, "homegrown" regional order could provide greater peace and security.
