Authorities have clarified that statements attributed to Pakistan regarding US sanctions on Iran, some Iranian media outlets, have been misunderstood. Officials emphasized that Pakistan generally refrains from commenting on the US sanctions regime against Iran or interpreting such measures.
This clarification followed reports quoting Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi, who was said to have affirmed Pakistan’s intention to continue bilateral trade with Iran in line with international law, without being bound by unilateral sanctions imposed on Tehran. Iranian media cited Andrabi as stating that Pakistan consistently rejects unilateral sanctions imposed by the United States.
Officials further highlighted Islamabad’s role as a lead mediator focused on achieving an amicable, consensual, and practical resolution to the conflict, aiming for greater stability and prosperity in the region. Pakistan remains dedicated to its constructive efforts to bridge differences between Washington and Tehran, seeking a peaceful outcome through dialogue and de-escalation.
In a significant development, the United States announced new sanctions on Monday, marking a shift in the ongoing conflict that began on February 28. The latest measures target Iran’s oil revenues, banking sector, and trading partners, moving beyond missile and airstrike confrontations. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the US aims to sever financial lifelines sustaining Iran’s economy. A US-led naval blockade also restricts Tehran’s oil exports and access to hard currency.
Bessent warned that countries continuing trade with Iran risk exclusion from the dollar-based financial system but did not specify a timeline or identify which nations might be targeted, indicating that they would be given time to comply.
Iran condemned the expanded US sanctions as an act of “gross lawlessness,” expressing confidence that many countries would resist the pressure campaign. The Iranian Foreign Ministry described the sanctions as a violation of international law and the UN charter, asserting that the issue extends beyond Iran alone. The ministry stated that no sovereign nation valuing its independence would accept such systematic bullying and lawlessness.
Meanwhile, there are indications of a possible return to mediation efforts to end the conflict, which began with US and Israeli strikes on Iran and has disrupted most shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. This waterway previously accounted for about one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.
