May 23, Kathmandu — Iran has stated that it does not want to start a new war but will respond with full force if attacked. According to the Iranian news agency Tasnim, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declared Iran’s position completely clear. He emphasized that if the country faces any form of attack or pressure, Tehran will take the necessary steps to defend its sovereignty and national interests.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration has imposed new sanctions targeting Iran’s energy and banking sectors. The US Treasury Department announced penalties against a network involved in selling Iranian LPG worth tens of millions of dollars in South and East Asia. The US accuses Iran of deliberately disguising Iranian gas as Oman LPG to conceal its true origin. A total of 12 entities have been sanctioned, including five companies based in the Marshall Islands, four in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and one in China.
In addition, six vessels have also been sanctioned, including four tankers flying the Panamanian flag. Following the US blockade, Iranian crude oil exports in May dropped by 84 percent. According to a report from Lloyd’s List, to evade US sanctions, Iran is now transporting oil using smaller ships instead of large tankers.
The US Central Command claimed to have downed four Iranian one-way attack drones sent toward the Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM stated these drones posed an immediate threat to maritime traffic in the region. Subsequently, the US military struck Iranian coastal surveillance radar sites on the Goruk and Qeshm islands to prevent further attacks. CENTCOM issued a message affirming that US forces remain alert and are ready to respond to any unjustified Iranian aggression in self-defense.
Just last Friday, President Donald Trump said that if a deal is reached between the US and Iran, he is willing to meet with Iran’s supreme leader. He also mentioned that while there was a plan to deploy troops to seize enriched uranium from Iran, the plan was canceled due to high risks. Meanwhile, Ireland has barred two hardline Israeli ministers, Itamar Ben-Gvir and Benjamin Smotrich, from entering the country. The Irish government accused both leaders of promoting hatred and violence against Palestinians. (With agency reports)
