Iran says new US sanctions 'inconsistent' with nuclear talks

Rouhani blasts US imposed sanction on more than 25 people, companies as "against the spirit" of interim nuclear deal.

By REUTERS, JPOST.COM STAFF
Hassan Rouhani (photo credit: REUTERS)
Hassan Rouhani
(photo credit: REUTERS)
DUBAI - Iran said on Saturday that new US sanctions placed on some Iranian and foreign banks and businesses would have negative consequences on its nuclear negotiations with world powers.
"These actions are inconsistent with the current process of nuclear negotiations," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Marzieh Afkham said in remarks quoted by the state news agency IRNA, referring to measure announced by Washington on Friday.
"At a time when the Islamic Republic of Iran has taken confidence building measures based on the agreements, as was reflected by the IAEA reports in Tehran, Iran is expecting the same actions by the US and the rest of the (powers)." The IAEA is the United Nations nuclear watchdog.
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani also condemned the US measures, indicating that they were counterproductive to the diplomatic process regarding Iran's disputed nuclear program.
"The recent measures taken against #Iran by the US are against the spirit of the Joint Plan of Action and confidence building," he said Saturday on Twitter.
On Friday, the United States imposed sanctions on more than 25 people and companies it accused of violating sanctions against Iran, including shipping firms, airlines, and six Iranian banks.
The US move comes as the United States is one of six global powers working with Iran to strike a comprehensive agreement, by a November 24 deadline, under which Iran would curb its nuclear activities in exchange for an easing of economic sanctions that have crippled its economy.
The US Treasury Department said it was targeting the people and firms for a range of violations, including helping Iran's missile and nuclear programs, evading prior sanctions, or supporting terrorism.
"As we fulfill our commitment to provide targeted sanctions relief, we remain committed to enforcing existing sanctions against Iran," David Cohen, Treasury's under secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, said in a statement.