Pakistan's Asim Munir Visits Tehran as U.S. Threatens Iran With 'Toughest' New Sanctions
Updated
Updated · NBC News · Aug 23
Pakistan's Asim Munir Visits Tehran as U.S. Threatens Iran With 'Toughest' New Sanctions
3 articles · Updated · NBC News · Aug 23
Summary
Asim Munir is due in Tehran on Monday as Pakistan presses mediation efforts, with a Pakistani source saying he will discuss recent developments including Washington's threat of new sanctions.
Abbas Araghchi dismissed the planned U.S. measures as a sign of desperation, saying sanctions and military pressure had failed to break Iran after nearly six months of war.
The sanctions threat comes as Iran keeps up an effective Strait of Hormuz blockade, choking tanker traffic and lifting global oil prices despite heavy damage to its economy, navy and air force.
Scott Bessent is set to outline the U.S. move at a 2 p.m. ET Monday press conference, while Trump has warned countries against giving Iran a lifeline and pressed China, buyer of more than 80% of Iran's shipped oil.
Tehran is pairing defiance with diplomacy: parliament says neighbors have sent messages on new regional security arrangements, and President Masoud Pezeshkian has also called for a negotiated end to the war.