Iran Says Pressure Ineffective, Urges Nations to Resist US Sanctions

Iran urged nations to resist Washington's sanctions while signaling that passage through the Strait of Hormuz and the possibility of a return to diplomacy could hinge on the US easing economic pressure and addressing the broader Middle East conflict.

Iran Warns Nations Against Cooperating with US Sanctions

Iran's Foreign Ministry on Friday called on "all countries" not to enforce US sanctions against Tehran, warning that cooperation with Washington would equate to participating in America's "illegal will," according to a letter distributed via Telegram, as reported by CNBC.

The appeal comes as President Donald Trump's administration intensifies economic pressure on Iran after months of war, threatening countries and businesses that continue commercial ties with Tehran.

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said diplomacy with Washington remains possible under the right conditions.

"Getting diplomacy back on track is not impossible," Araghchi posted on X on Friday, adding that resuming talks would depend on the US understanding that "pressure does not work."

He called on Washington to build trust, respect Iran's rights, and fulfill its commitments.

Had a creative discussion with His Excellency the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Qatar.

Getting diplomacy back on track is not impossible. It depends on whether the US understands a simple fact: pressure does not work. The US should build trust, engage with respect, recognize our rights, and fulfill its commitments.

— Seyed Abbas Araghchi August 28, 2026

Iran Sets Conditions for Reopening Strait of Hormuz

Tehran has also linked the future of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz to broader developments with Washington.

Iran currently allows ships to pass through "temporary and limited" corridors in the waterway, while officials say a wider reopening would depend on an understanding with the US.

Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, told Lebanese outlet Al Manar TV that any agreement on the Strait of Hormuz must address the conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria.

He said Israel must withdraw from Lebanon and stop its strikes on Syria, while the Gaza conflict must end.

Trump Refuses Negotiations with Tehran

However, Trump has shown little interest in immediate diplomacy.

"We don't want to talk to them. We have no plans to meet or do anything like that," Trump told reporters on Thursday.

The Trump administration is instead focused on economic pressure, with officials seeking to isolate Iran financially.

Although US officials say international shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz remain open, vessel traffic remains far below pre-war levels, keeping energy markets on edge.

Strait traffic remains sluggish

On August 25, vessel transits through the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb declined, while the International Maritime Organization verified no new attacks occurred. Five vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz, down 28.6% from seven the previous day. All five used Iran's unilateral...

— Kpler August 26, 2026