Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman dismissed the US and EU oil embargo against Iran as part of the West's propaganda campaign designed to gain an upper-hand in the talks between Iran and the world powers.
"The oil embargo is more a propaganda ballyhoo than being real and effective," Ramin Mehman-Parast told reporters here in Tehran today.He added that it would be wrong for the western countries to assume that they can win concessions from Iran during the negotiations through pressurizing the country.
Asked about Iran's reaction to certain regional states' partnership with the West in the oil sanctions against Iran, the foreign ministry spokesman called on such countries to "consider their long-term interests" and avoid playing in the West's political games.
The EU in January embargoed purchases of Iranian crude but let those with existing contracts continue importing until July 1.
But analysts believe that the bloc is putting into effect its recently approved oil sanctions against Iran at a time when it is experiencing its worst economic conditions.
"The EU is at its worst possible conditions," Director of the Environment, Energy, and Economic Development program at the RAND Research and Analysis Corporation Keith Crane told FNA.
He downplayed effectiveness of western boycotts against Iran, and said, "Countries are able to bypass economic sanctions."
Norwegian
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