Iran: Diplomacy 'isn't impossible'
Iran's Foreign Ministry has warned other nations against complying with U.S. economic sanctions, labeling such cooperation as complicity. Meanwhile, officials have signaled that a return to diplomatic negotiations is possible if the U.S. shifts its approach.
Why it matters
The ongoing economic and diplomatic standoff between the U.S. and Iran continues to influence global oil prices and regional stability in the Middle East.
Iran's Foreign Ministry on Friday called on "all countries" not to implement U.S. sanctions against Tehran, warning that doing so would represent "complicity" in imposing the "illegal will" of the United States.
The comments were laid out in a two-page letter published via Telegram, as the country set its conditions for reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz and touted the prospect of a return to diplomatic negotiations.
The White House announced an "economic D-Day" campaign against Tehran earlier in the week, threatening countries that do business with the Islamic Republic and shifting its focus from military action to economic pressure after six months of war.
U.S. President Donald Trump made clear on Thursday that Washington is not talking with Iran, telling reporters in the Oval Office: "We don't want to speak to them. We're not looking to meet or anything."
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