Iran vows to 'proudly bypass' US sanctions
"I announce that we will proudly bypass your illegal, unjust sanctions because it's against international regulations," Rouhani said in a televised speech.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, pictured in Washington on October 23, 2018, said the sanctions were intended to "starve the Iranian regime of the funds it uses to fund violent activity throughout the Middle East and around the world"
Recommended articles
"We are in a situation of economic war, confronting a bullying power. I don't think that in the history of America, someone has entered the White House who is so against law and international conventions," he added.
The measures described by Washington as "the toughest sanctions ever" follow US President Donald Trump's controversial decision in May to abandon the multi-nation nuclear deal with Tehran.
The latest tranche aim to significantly cut Iran's oil exports -- which have already fallen by around one million barrels a day since May -- and cut it off from international finance.
ADVERTISEMENT
The United States has given temporary exemptions to eight countries -- including India, Japan and Turkey -- to continue buying oil in a bid to avoid disturbing their economies and global markets.
But US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo vowed to push Iran's oil sales to zero.
"Watch what we do. Watch as we've already taken more crude oil off the market than any time in previous history," he told CBS's "Face the Nation" on Sunday.
Iran's President Hassan Rouhani (C), seen at a cabinet meeting in Tehran in a handout picture provided by the Iranian presidency on November 5, 2018, said the Islamic republic "will proudly bypass sanctions" by the United States
AFP
Trump's administration says it wants a new deal with Iran that curbs its interventions around the Middle East and missile programme -- demands that have been flatly rejected by Tehran.
ADVERTISEMENT
"Constantly they are sending us messages saying 'Let's sit and negotiate.' Negotiations for what?" said Rouhani.
"First, you respect the negotiations we already concluded, so that there are grounds for the next negotiations."
'Act on your commitments'
An Iranian protester burns a dollar banknote during a demonstration outside the former US embassy in the Iranian capital Tehran on November 4, 2018
AFP
Rouhani said four countries had approached him during his visit to New York for the UN General Assembly in September, offering to mediate with the US but he turned them down.
ADVERTISEMENT
"There is no need for mediation. There is no need for all these messages. Act on your commitments, and we will sit and talk," he said.
Iran's economy was already suffering from major structural problems -- including major banking issues -- before Trump walked out of the nuclear deal.
But Trump's announcement in May helped fuel a run on Iran's currency that has seen the rial lose more than two thirds of its value, driving up prices and forcing the government to resort to food handouts for the country's poor.
Rouhani came to power in 2013, vowing to rebuild ties with the world and attract billions of dollars in foreign investment.
Chronology of events since the US withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal.
AFP
ADVERTISEMENT
The other parties to the nuclear deal -- Britain, France, Germany, China and Russia -- have all vehemently opposed the US move and vowed to keep trade going, though they are struggling to convince private companies to stand up to US pressure.
Most of the international firms who lined up to work in Iran after the 2015 deal have been forced to leave, including France's Total, Peugeot and Renault, Germany's Siemens.
"Today, it's not just us who are angry with America's policies. Even European companies and governments are angry with America's policies," said Rouhani.
JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!
ADVERTISEMENT
Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:
Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng
Recommended articles
Excessive use of cellphones, computers can make you go blind, here's how
'Enemies of progress': Ben Bruce slams Atiku, Obi over Lagos-Calabar Highway project in viral video
House of Reps calls for truce between ASUU, University of Abuja amid strike
Entertainment executive, Artiste manager, Marjorie Fiedler to run for European Parliament
Cow crushes 2 elderly people out of nowhere — no one knows why
Nigeria’s Road to the World Cup: The journey ahead for the Super Eagles
Anambra PASAN suspends strike for 2 months as Govt addresses demands
Gowon wants Nigerian leaders to emulate Yar'Adua's transparent leadership
JAMB releases 531 more UTME results, cautions against fake score claims
Pulse Sports
Chelsea set to offer Romelu Lukaku and cash for Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen
Mikel Obi: Super Eagles legend goes viral speaking Hausa
Anthony Joshua: Nigerian-born boxer teams up with Mariah Carey, Naomi Campbell and Cuppy in France
ADVERTISEMENT
