Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi says U.S. sanctions breach Islamabad memorandum

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the United States Treasury Department’s latest sanctions on eight individuals and six entities linked to Iran, labeling the move a violation of Article 9 of the Islamabad memorandum of understanding between the two countries. Araghchi asserted that Iran has continued to honor its commitments while the United States has failed to respect the agreement, which also includes an Article 10 provision prohibiting new sanctions until a final deal is reached. The sanctions target Iran’s energy, financial and shipping sectors and were announced amid heightened tensions following recent military exchanges and the revocation of a U.S. license for Iranian oil exports. Araghchi’s statement came as diplomatic efforts continue, with talks slated for Switzerland and Qatari mediators trying to sustain indirect contacts between Washington and Tehran.

The United States defended the measures as necessary to curb activities it deems destabilising, while Iranian officials warned the sanctions would harm ordinary civilians and undermine the cease‑fire that recently ended.