Iran calls US sanctions 'classic colonialism’ as Trump looks to target Mojtaba's nuclear ally, Xi?

The Trump administration is preparing what Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent calls the “toughest sanctions in history” against Iran, combining intensified economic isolation with the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei calls the plan unlawful “economic warfare” and argues that secondary sanctions are an attempt to exercise extraterritorial authority over other UN member states. He says compelling foreign banks, companies or airports to halt commerce with Iran violates sovereign equality and the prohibition on intervention; Washington maintains sanctions are a legitimate tool to isolate Tehran and force a deal.