Iran Rejects Trump's Bid to Economically Isolate Tehran

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described US President Donald Trump's plan to intensify economic pressure on Iran as a continuation of a "failed policies" that will lead to another defeat for Washington.

Araghchi said the newly announced "Economic D-Day" is designed to divert attention from problems inside the United States, particularly its record debt and rising interest costs. He also described US sanctions as economic terrorism that threatens the global economy and the sovereignty of nations.

Trump announced an economic war on Iran, seeking to isolate the country on an unprecedented scale. He also threatened serious economic consequences for countries whose financial institutions, companies, airports or government agencies assist Tehran.

The war began on 28 February with US and Israeli attacks, followed by Iranian retaliation. A ceasefire on 8 April ended the intense bombardment, but sporadic clashes continue around the Strait of Hormuz.

Tehran insists on keeping the strait closed until Washington lifts its naval blockade of Iranian ports, removes oil sanctions and unfreezes Iranian assets abroad.

(alarabiya, bak)