Iran demands US pay full compensation for sanctions damage

In messages to the UN and the Security Council, Araghchi stated that the Islamic Republic of Iran reserves its right to pursue accountability, compensation, and redress through all available means. He added that the U.S. campaign entails international responsibility and an obligation to compensate for all material and moral damages. Araghchi also indicated that the U.S. could face individual criminal responsibility for the consequences of these "unlawful and criminal acts" if proper legal actions are taken.

He urged the UN Security Council and member states to condemn and reject Washington's use of "unilateral coercive measures and secondary sanctions." Iran also called on countries not to recognize or implement such measures, and implored the U.S. to immediately halt coercive actions aimed at forcing third countries to alter legitimate economic relations. Araghchi requested the UN Secretary-General to assess and report on the humanitarian and human rights consequences of these sanctions.

These statements follow the Trump administration's launch of "Operation Economic Outcast," a sweeping sanctions campaign targeting key Iranian economic sectors, including aviation, shipping, gold, technology, and digital assets, blacklisting over 60 entities, individuals, and vessels. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described the objective as severing Iran's economic lifelines, calling the campaign the "economic asphyxiation" of the Iranian government.