Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei vehemently criticized recent statements by the US Treasury Secretary regarding economic sanctions against Iran. Baqaei dismissed the claim of "suffocating" Iran’s economy as both “pathetic” and indicative of a deeper issue – a compulsive reliance on coercive tactics by the United States. He characterized the continued use of sanctions as a demonstration of Washington’s policy failure, rather than a success. The spokesperson argued that the US is addicted to using sanctions as a primary foreign policy tool. This rebuke highlights ongoing tensions between Tehran and Washington over Iran's nuclear program and regional influence. The statement underscores Iran’s continued resistance to international pressure and its rejection of US economic policies. It signals Iran’s intent to challenge what it perceives as a detrimental US approach to international relations.