- U.S. President has warned of economic consequences against any country that provides "any type of lifeline to Iran" and Bessent has urged cooperation with Washington by Pakistan, which buys more than 80% of Iran's shipped oil, according to 2025 data from analytics firm Kpler.
- U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent threatened to impose sanctions on Iran and scheduled a press conference for Monday at 2 p.m. EDT (1800 GMT).
- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi dismissed the threat of new U.S. sanctions as a sign of desperation and said the expected new measures would fail to defeat Tehran.
- Iran announced that Pakistan's army chief Asim Munir would visit Tehran on Monday as part of efforts to restore peace and security in the region.
- Araqchi stated: "We have never been afraid. All of their actions - whether blockades or other military moves they have made - have failed, and this new issue of theirs will fail as well."
- Araqchi said in a video posted on Telegram: "The fact that they (U.S. leaders) have moved on from military operations ... to bring up the same old plans shows that they are desperate." He also emphasized that Washington must speak to Iran respectfully to find "a solution based on justice and honour."
- Pakistan has been mediating in the conflict, and a Pakistani government source indicated that Munir would discuss recent developments, including the U.S. threat of new sanctions.
Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araqchi characterized the impending U.S. sanctions as a sign of desperation, stating, "All of their actions - whether blockades or other military moves they have made - have failed, and this new issue of theirs will fail as well."34567
The U.S. Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, is scheduled to hold a press conference on Monday, where he is expected to discuss the sanctions aimed at Iran, which has been under significant economic pressure due to existing international sanctions.12
Iran's economy has been severely impacted, with infrastructure damage and casualties from airstrikes since the U.S. and Israel's military actions began on February 28. Despite these challenges, Tehran has maintained a defiant stance, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passage for global oil shipments.
Araqchi emphasized the need for respectful dialogue, stating, "Washington must speak to Iran respectfully to find a solution based on justice and honour." He criticized the U.S. for reverting to what he termed "repetitive scenarios" in their approach to Iran.
The geopolitical landscape remains tense, with Pakistan mediating discussions aimed at restoring peace in the region, as Iranian officials prepare for a visit from Pakistan's military chief, Asim Munir, on Monday to address these developments.8
“Araqchi's remarks came as Pakistan's army chief Asim Munir was set to visit Tehran on Monday for regional peace efforts, with Pakistan mediating the conflict. The U.S. has warned of consequences for any country providing a lifeline to Iran, as China buys over 80% of Iran's shipped oil.”
