Zarif tweeted that the US has challenged the UN and its Security Council by re-imposing sanctions against the Iranian people. His statement came after the US reinstated punitive measures targeting the Iranian oil and finance sectors in what US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called the toughest sanctions ever placed against Tehran.  

German government spokesman Steffen Seibert said Berlin is exploring ways to protect companies affected by the re-imposed sanctions by supporting legal business relations with Tehran.

UK Prime Minister Theresa May’s spokesman said Monday that the UK regrets the re-imposition of US sanctions and believes that the Iran nuclear deal makes the world a safer place. He said as long as Iran continues to meet its obligations under the deal by respecting strict limits on its nuclear activity, the UK will stay committed also.

China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying criticized the US sanctions, saying China will continue its commercial transactions with Iran.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised President Trump’s decision to re-impose the sanctions, which he insisted contribute to peace, stability, and security.