Iran warns of consequences for countries joining US sanctions and condemns France
Tehran warned that foreign nations adhering to incoming American economic measures will face consequences, while calling the US campaign an admission of defeat and denouncing the expulsion of two diplomats by France.
Warning over cooperation with US sanctions
The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned third-party nations on Monday, 24 August 2026, against participating in economic sanctions led by the United States. Speaking during his weekly press conference in Tehran, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaïl Baghaï stated that any international cooperation with American measures against the Islamic Republic would result in consequences. The Iranian government assessed the ongoing economic pressure campaign as an admission of defeat by Washington in its policy toward Tehran. Baghaï indicated that formal notifications had already been transmitted to foreign capitals to deter their adherence to the American sanctions framework. The ministry framed compliance with United States policy as direct involvement in aggressive actions against the Iranian state.
The necessary warnings have certainly been issued, because any complicity with America in the implementation of its aggressive actions against Iran will certainly have its own consequences.
Expulsion of diplomats by French authorities
During the Monday briefing, the foreign ministry also responded directly to diplomatic actions carried out by the French government in Paris. France ordered the expulsion of two Iranian diplomats, drawing formal condemnation from officials in Tehran. Spokesperson Baghaï described the French measure as an unlawful response to legal steps previously taken by the Islamic Republic. Iranian authorities maintained that their initial judicial actions were entirely legitimate under applicable legal frameworks. Baghaï told journalists that the expulsion order from Paris lacked legal basis and constituted an improper retaliation against Iran's lawful proceedings.
The measure taken by France is an illegal measure in response to Iran's legitimate legal action.
Washington plans new economic measures
The statements from Tehran arrived shortly before the United States administration was scheduled to unveil new measures targeting the Iranian economy on 24 August 2026. United States officials had previously stated that they would disclose detailed provisions of economic sanctions designed to deepen Tehran's international isolation. The upcoming package represents a renewed economic offensive against Tehran led by Donald Trump. Iranian officials emphasized during the weekly conference that Washington is attempting to coerce foreign partners into enforcing unilateral trade and financial restrictions. Baghaï indicated that Tehran is closely monitoring international reactions to the pending American declarations to determine its specific retaliatory steps against cooperating governments.
- France orders the expulsion of two Iranian diplomats from Paris.
- Iran warns third countries against joining US sanctions and denounces the French expulsions.
- The United States prepares to announce details of new economic sanctions to isolate Tehran.
Context of wider diplomatic friction
The diplomatic exchanges take place in the context of wider Middle Eastern tensions and friction between Tehran and Western governments. Iranian officials used the 24 August 2026 briefing to reiterate that external economic restrictions will not alter the state's policies. The foreign ministry warned that third countries aligning with American initiatives risk damaging their diplomatic and trade ties with the Islamic Republic. Tehran reiterated that foreign governments must choose whether to preserve bilateral relations or enforce Washington's unilateral measures. The Iranian foreign ministry reaffirmed its intent to challenge both American economic sanctions and European diplomatic actions through direct reciprocal measures.
