U.S., EU threatening global energy security through Iran sanctions: Iranian FM spokesman

TEHRAN,July 3(MNA) – Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said on Sunday that the United States and the European Union have practically threatened the security of the world’s energy supplies through imposing “illegal” sanctions on Iran. Mehmanparast made the remarks in response to the European Union’s oil embargo on Iran that took effect on July 1 and a new U.S. law that penalizes countries that do business with the Central Bank of Iran by denying their banks access to the United States market. The law came into force on June 28. Mehmanparast said, “The United States and the European Union have practically threatened energy security and the balance of the global energy market” through continuing to pursue the approach of pressure and sanctions. He added that they must be held accountable for the “irresponsible” measure they have taken against Iran and “the policies and positions that will affect the world economic crisis because the security of (energy) supplies is an integral part of the security of the global energy market.” The Iranian Foreign Ministry also said that the sanctions that the U.S. and the EU have imposed on Iran “lack legal weight” and “are in contravention of international regulations,” particularly those regarding free trade. He added, “The United States and the European Union should prepare themselves for problems such as the exacerbation of financial and economic crisis and the spread of social protests as well as political and diplomatic repercussions of this measure. “The measure illustrated that they are not only not pursuing a constructive approach toward relations with our country but also are seeking to create tension. And this unconstructive measure has been taken while the emphasis is on building mutual trust in the negotiations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the 5+1 group.” Tehran and the 5+1 group (the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany) held a new round of talks over Iran’s nuclear program in Moscow on June 18 and 19 and agreed to hold expert meetings in Istanbul on July 3. Mehmanparast noted, “In order to strengthen the Non-Proliferation Treaty, the Islamic Republic of Iran will defend its stance in all international bodies and organizations and is determined to restore its nuclear rights.” He also said, “The Iranian people will not succumb to the policy of pressure and threats, and the sanctions will only promote the people’s unity” and help the country attain self-sufficiency.