Iran leader says US oil sanctions won't go 'without response'

After US announces it will no longer grant sanctions exemptions to Iran's oil customers

TEHRAN: Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Wednesday called the end of oil sanction waivers by the United States a "hostile measure" that "won't be left without a response".

"US efforts to boycott the sale of Iran's oil won't get them anywhere. We will export our oil as much as we need and we intend," his official English-language Twitter account said.

U.S.'s efforts to boycott the sale of Iran's oil won't get them anywhere. We will export our oil as much as we need and we intend. They should know that their hostile measure won't be left without a response. Iranian nation does not sit idle in the face of animosities. pic.twitter.com/9MrphK4nwL

— Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) April 24, 2019

Oil hits highest since Nov as US to tighten Iran sanctions

The United States on Monday announced it will no longer grant sanctions exemptions to Iran's oil customers and will start imposing sanctions on countries such as India, China and Turkey if they buy Iranian oil.

In May 2018, President Donald Trump withdrew the US from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal which had given the Islamic republic sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on its nuclear programme.

Washington reimposed oil sanctions on Iran in November but initially gave eight governments six-month reprieves.

Five of the countries - Greece, Italy, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan - have already heavily reduced their purchases from Iran.

Trump says Saudi Arabia will 'make up' for oil supply after new Iran sanctions

"They (the US) wishfully think they have blocked Iran oil sales, but our vigorous nation and vigilant officials, if they work hard, will open many blockades," Khamenei said on Twitter.

They wishfully think they have blocked Iran oil sales, but our vigorous nation and vigilant officials, if they work hard, will open many blockades. The less we rely on such form of oil sales, the more will be appreciative and this will be better for us.

— Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) April 24, 2019

"Enemies have repeatedly, in vain, taken action against our great nation, revolution ... but they must know Iranians won't give in," he added.

Enemies have repeatedly, in vain, taken action against our great nation, revolution & IR who voice support for justice across world. In economic issues, they say they want to bring Iranian nation to its knees; but they must know Iranians won't give in.https://t.co/9JXdiTJnKk

— Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) April 24, 2019