Iran dismisses US "threats" amidst rising tensions

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei delivers a speech in a meeting with military commanders in Tehran, Iran, February 7, 2017.[Photo/Agencies]

TEHRAN - Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Tuesday shrugged off what he called the US "threats" against the Islamic republic, the official website of the supreme leader reported.

The Iranians are not afraid of the threats of the new US President Donald Trump and his threats would not frighten Iran, said Khamenei.

The United States has never ceased its enmity against the Iranian people over the past 38 years following the victory of the revolution, he said as the Iranians are preparing to celebrate the anniversary of the establishment of Islamic republic on Feb 10.

"Iran would not be crippled by the enemies" and the Iranians would respond to these threats in the nationwide rallies to be held on Feb 10, he added.

The United States on Friday announced sanctions on multiple entities and individuals involved in Iran's ballistic missile program and providing support to a military force in Iran.

The move came days after Iran launched a ballistic missile test, which drew a stern warning from Washington.

The US Treasury Department said in a statement that the action reflects the US commitment to enforcing sanctions on Iran with respect to its ballistic missile program and "destabilizing" activities in the region.

The United States also announced that it officially put Iran "on notice" over Tehran's recent missile launch and an attack against a Saudi vessel by Iran-supported Houthi militants.

In a reaction, Iranian officials unanimously called the missile test "inalienable right" of the country to boost deterrent power and Iran vowed to counteract the fresh US sanctions.

On Monday, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi said that the US government has adopted "hostile and threatening" policies towards Iran.

In the meantime, Russia and China opposed the US sanctions against Iran.

On Monday, China lodged representations to the United States over the latest sanctions against Iran which involve Chinese companies and individuals.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang made the remarks at a routine press briefing.

"China always opposes any unilateral sanctions, especially when they harm the interests of a third party," Lu said, adding such sanctions are "not helpful" to promote mutual trust and solve global issues.