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FM spox: New sanctions impugn US seriousness in nuclear talks
Baqaei made the remarks in an X post on Friday, two days after the US State Department said people or entities that provide Iran with certain construction-related materials will face sanctions.
In a statement, the US Department of State claimed on Wednesday that it had found Iran's construction sector was controlled by the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), and that it had identified another 10 strategic materials now subject to US sanctions.
"With these determinations, the United States has broader sanctions authorities to prevent Iran from acquiring strategic materials for its construction sector under IRGC control and its proliferation programs," it said in a statement.
The 10 materials include austenitic nickel-chromium alloy, magnesium ingots, sodium perchlorate, tungsten copper and certain aluminum sheets and tubes, among others, it said.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry’s spokesman condemned the coercive US measures as "outrageous" and "unlawful and inhuman," saying the bans are "no less than crimes against humanity" as they deprive Iranians of their basic human rights.
"The US's consecutive rounds of sanctions only reinforce our people's deeply-held belief that the American decision makers are set to make every malign effort to hinder Iran's development & progress," he added.
"These sanctions, announced on the eve of the fifth round of Iran-US indirect talks, further put to question the American willingness & seriousness for diplomacy."
Baqaei also expressed the Iranian nation's resolve to "remain steadfast and strong" in the face of US animosity and hostile measures.
The remarks came hours before the fifth round of Iran-US indirect negotiations, which was held in the Italian capital of Rome.
Since taking office in January, US President Donald Trump has imposed several rounds of sanctions on Iran in order to pressure Tehran to sign a nuclear agreement with Washington.