Iran announced on Saturday that the "economic war" the United States is planning against Tehran violates international law.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Ismail Baghaei, wrote on X that banks, companies, or airports exclusively under a nation's jurisdiction should not be coerced by other countries to "abandon legitimate trade with a third country."
U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to impose strict sanctions on countries that continue to support Iran, as Washington seeks to sharply increase economic pressure on Tehran.
Baghaei stated, "Economic coercion aimed at forcing a sovereign nation to change its legitimate political choices constitutes an internationally unlawful act."
He claimed such "secondary sanctions" violate the United Nations Charter.
Baghaei added that Trump's plan, in conjunction with the American naval blockade of Iranian ports, reduces the sovereignty of other nations to something "temporary, conditional, and revocable at the whim of another power."
He warned that these actions threaten "a return to comprehensive traditional colonization."
U.S. President Donald Trump, speaking on Friday evening, stated he does not know with whom he can negotiate in Iran, noting that most Iranian leaders have been killed and suggesting no one is willing to take on the presidency there.
Trump reiterated his stance, stating "he considers the Strait of Hormuz as American territory," confirming that the United States will not allow Iran to possess nuclear weapons.
The American president asserted that Iran is eager to reach a deal, predicting energy prices will drop once operations regarding Iran conclude.
Trump continued, saying: "Iran is eager for an agreement, but we are uncertain if we want that."