Tehran - BORNA - Saeed Khatibzadeh, the Deputy Foreign Minister and Head of the Center for Political and International Studies at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, described the United States' unilateral and extraterritorial sanctions against Iran as "reckless and arbitrary," emphasizing that these measures are imposed on countries that adhere to international law.
Speaking to Russia Today (RT), Khatibzadeh, referring to Iran's commitment to international law and its obligations, stated: "Iran’s position has always been fair, because it is based on arguments that are legally sound, politically aligned with Iran’s foreign policy, and strategically constructive. Iran has always been committed to law and its international obligations, and we are seriously seeking a law-based international order, despite those who merely resort to bullying and believe that power means right."
Criticizing the unilateral behavior of the U.S., Khatibzadeh added: "Let me put it this way, Iran has been subject to unilateral, illegal, and extraterritorial sanctions by the United States for decades. It is a very reckless and arbitrary move to sanction countries that adhere to international law. But we know why they do it; it is a political move by the U.S., because they believe they can impose their will on other countries."
He emphasized: "Iran has shown that it resists and is very firm in its stances. We believe we have no choice but to stand against this bullying. The Americans cannot achieve anything this way; the only way that might work is diplomacy, and they know that. They will realize sooner or later that the only language Iran responds to is the language of respect and equality, and this is what we are seriously looking forward to, until the right time for diplomacy comes."
In another part of the interview, the Deputy Foreign Minister criticized the dual standard of Western countries regarding the concept of "sovereignty."
Referring to the 2017 U.S. National Security Strategy, which labeled countries like Russia and China as "revisionist," he added: "What is happening now clearly reveals their logic. Do you remember that in 2017, during the first term of President Trump, the U.S. National Security Strategy was published, labeling countries like Russia and China as revisionist? Now, look at what has happened and who is actually revising the international order? Who is disregarding the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of other countries?"
Khatibzadeh criticized the policies of the U.S. government, stating: "Unfortunately, now countries like the United States are trying to impose their will on other countries, with disregard for their international obligations. What we are witnessing is the exertion of dominance and hegemony over others. When Trump came to power, he promised he was coming for peace and said his doctrine was 'peace through strength.' But now it has become clear to everyone that this is neither peace nor strength, but the naked use of force against others."
He concluded: "This is our current situation, and we must clearly state that force does not bring peace; extremism only creates more extremism and increases violence and obstruction. We must cooperate with each other to at least reach a relative level of justice and fairness, which is severely needed globally now."
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