Iran says new US sanctions contrary to nuclear talks

TEHRAN - The new sanctions imposed on Iranian individuals and firms by the United States violate spirit of ongoing nuclear talks, Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Marzieh Afkham said here on Saturday.

The move is inconsistent with the current process of negotiations between Iran and the P5+1 (the five permanent UN Security Council members plus Germany) aimed at resolving the nuclear issue, Afkham was quoted as saying by Tasnim news agency.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran denounces any unilateral sanctions by the United States," Afkham said, adding that "we are not afraid of sanctions. The government has handled the (domestic) affairs despite sanctions."

The United States on Friday imposed sanctions on a number of Iranian individuals and entities while pledging continued work toward a comprehensive solution to the Islamic republic's controversial nuclear program.

The US Treasury Department targeted the networks for their alleged support to Iran's missile and nuclear programs as well as terrorism, and for helping Tehran evade the existing sanctions.

"Treasury's action against over 25 entities and individuals -- who are involved in expanding Iran's proliferation program, supporting terrorism in the region, and helping Iran evade US and international sanctions -- reflects our continuing determination to take action against anyone, anywhere, who violates our sanctions," said David Cohen, under secretary of Treasury for terrorism and financial intelligence, in a statement.

The sanctions bar American citizens from doing business with those targeted and freeze all of their assets under US jurisdiction.

On Saturday, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said that " sanction is an oppression and invasion against the right of the Iranian nation. It is our duty to put the aggressors in their place."

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