Iran vows retaliatory sanctions against Americans

Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Friday that inclusion of new Iranian and non-Iranian people and institutes to the list of illegitimate sanctions by the US under the excuse of missile tests is inconsistent with the country’s commitments and contradictory to the spirit and text of UN Security Council Resolution 2231.

The statement further noted that development of missile capabilities which are designed solely for defensive purposes and carrying conventional weapons is the Iranian nation’s right and any interference in the field runs against international regulations and is not within any country or institute’s authority.

Islamic Republic of Iran will appropriately counter any measure threatening the nation’s interests, as it has suspended issuance of visas for the Americans in a tit-for-tat move against the US travel ban for the Iranians.

The ministry also stressed that the Islamic Republic would not allow the ominous realization of the dangerous plots and delusions of the Zionist warmongers and their supporters.

'Retaliating the US inclusion of the Iranian people and companies to the list of sanctions, Iran will exert legal restrictions against the American individuals and companies which have a role in aiding extremist and terrorist groups or contribute to the suppression and murder of the defenseless people in the region. Their names will be announced subsequently,' said the statement.

Iran’s security is not open to any compromise or negotiations and the US miscalculated moves will never stop Iran from pursuing its principled policy of safeguarding peace, stability and countering terrorism and extremism, the statement concluded.

The statement came after the US Treasury Department said in a statement on Friday that Washington has imposed sanctions on 13 individuals and 12 entities as part of bids to ratchet up pressure on Iran.

The move against Iran is the first by the US government since President Donald Trump took office on January 20.

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