New US sanctions on Iran's oil sector, announced on Monday, are an "example of hostility" from the United States, Tehran said, quoted by Agence France-Presse.
US President Donald Trump has imposed his policy of "maximum pressure" on Iran during his first term (2017-2021), reimposing sanctions on the economically exhausted country and isolating it from the international scene, AFP recalls.
After returning to power in January, Trump said he supported negotiations with Iran to regulate its nuclear program, but again tightened sanctions against the country.
On Monday, Washington announced new measures against individuals, companies and ships believed to be circumventing sanctions imposed on Iranian oil exports.
"This is an example of hostility on the part of the US government towards the welfare, development and well-being of the Iranian people," said Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghai.
Earlier this month, Trump said he wanted to reach an agreement with Iran on its nuclear program.
"This will allow Iran (economic) development and peaceful prosperity," the US president added on his social network "Truth Social".
"Imposing sanctions on the Iranian state is the biggest proof of how false these words are", the Iranian spokesman said, without making a direct link to Trump's statement.
The sanctions announced on Monday by the US government are the second in less than a month to affect Iran's oil sector.
Iran relies on a network of oil tankers that circumvent Western sanctions and allow it to continue selling its oil, which is its key source of income.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi yesterday ruled out holding any direct negotiations with the US on Iran's nuclear program in the current context of "maximum pressure" by Donald Trump.