Iran condemns US fresh sanctions on metal exports

TEHRAN -- Iranian Foreign Ministry on Thursday condemned fresh US sanctions against the Islamic republic's metal exports after Iran decided to drop some of its commitments to the 2015 nuclear deal.

In a statement, Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Abbas Mousavi said the US decision to impose new sanctions on Iran's industrial metal exports runs counter to Washington's international commitments.

"These sanctions, like other unilateral US sanctions, are in contravention of the basic principles and rules of international relations," Mousavi said, adding that Washington must be legally accountable for the violation of international treaties.

On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump imposed new sanctions targeting Iran's revenue from export of industrial metals, including iron, steel, aluminum, and copper sectors.

The US move followed Iran's withdrawal from implementing parts of its commitments under the landmark 2015 nuclear deal.