PM Shehbaz says trilateral pact aims to promote re…

TEHRAN: Iran has vowed to strengthen its economy and find ways to withstand what it calls unjustified US sanctions, as Washington prepares to announce a new package of economic measures against Tehran. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf made the remarks during a meeting with Iranian and Iraqi business representatives in Baghdad on Friday. Ghalibaf said economic strength and national security were closely connected. He accused the United States and Israel of using economic and political pressure after failing to achieve their objectives through direct military confrontation. He called for stronger economic cooperation between Iran and Iraq. He also suggested that the two neighbours increase trade using their national currencies to reduce dependence on the US dollar. Ghalibaf said Iran and Iraq should focus on economic development and shared prosperity despite pressure from Western countries. The comments came a day after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced plans for what he described as the toughest sanctions ever imposed on Iran. Bessent said further details of the measures would be released on Monday. He suggested that maximum economic pressure could reduce the need for another major military operation against Iran. US President Donald Trump has also warned countries and businesses against providing financial or economic support to Tehran. Trump described the planned campaign as an unprecedented effort of economic warfare and isolation. He warned that countries allowing financial institutions, companies, airports or government bodies to provide assistance to Iran could face severe economic consequences. Iran has strongly rejected the US pressure. Its Foreign Ministry described the latest sanctions as economic terrorism and said they would not weaken Iran’s determination to protect its independence and sovereignty. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also accused Washington of trying to divert attention from economic problems inside the United States. China rejects sanctions strategy China has opposed Washington’s approach and said sanctions and economic pressure would not solve the conflict. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian called on all sides to adopt responsible measures and seek a political and diplomatic solution. China has significant economic ties with Iran and remains a major buyer of Iranian oil. Data from energy analytics firm Kpler indicated that China accounted for more than 80% of Iran’s shipped oil purchases in 2025. The issue could further complicate US-China relations. Washington has warned against economic cooperation with Tehran, while China has repeatedly criticised unilateral sanctions. Bessent said the United States was seeking cooperation from its allies and other countries. He argued that China had a strong interest in maintaining stability in the Gulf because a significant portion of its energy supplies comes from the region. The latest sanctions threat comes as the wider Middle East conflict continues to disrupt energy markets and regional trade. Oil prices rose after Trump announced plans for stronger economic measures against Iran. The conflict has affected oil supplies and raised concerns about shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The strategic waterway handles a significant share of global oil trade and has become a major point of tension during the conflict. The United States and Iran have announced ceasefire agreements on two occasions in recent months, but both arrangements have broken down. Iran now faces growing economic pressure from Washington while attempting to maintain trade and regional partnerships.

TUNIS: At least 13 Tunisians are missing after a migrant boat sank off the country’s coast while attempting to reach Italy, according to a migrant rights official. Two people were rescued following the incident, but one of them was reported to be in critical condition. The head of the Tunisian Observatory for Human Rights, Mostafa Abdelkebir, said the boat had departed early Thursday. One of the survivors told rescuers that the passengers had spent hours stranded at sea after the vessel overturned. Rescue efforts were launched after the boat sank, but the whereabouts of the missing migrants remained unknown. The incident highlights the continuing dangers faced by migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean in overcrowded or poorly equipped vessels. Tunisia has been a major departure point for migrants seeking to reach Europe, particularly Italy. However, the number of departures from the country has declined significantly over the past two years as authorities have strengthened maritime surveillance and border controls. The tighter measures have received financial and technical support from European countries, particularly Italy, as part of efforts to curb irregular migration across the Mediterranean. The European Union’s migration cooperation with Tunisia has also faced criticism from international rights organisations. Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and other humanitarian groups recently accused the EU-Tunisia arrangement of contributing to serious abuses against migrants and asylum seekers. The organisations have urged the EU to suspend funding for migration and border-control operations involving Tunisian security forces. Tunisian authorities have defended their position, saying the country is facing intense pressure from the growing number of migrants attempting to use its territory as a route towards Europe. The central Mediterranean remains one of the most dangerous migration routes in the world. Migrants from African and Middle Eastern countries frequently attempt the journey in boats that can be overcrowded, poorly maintained or unsuitable for long sea crossings.