Iranian FM rebuffs US sanctions on him

TEHRAN - Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Thursday dismissed the US decision to put sanctions on him.

"Thank you for considering me such a huge threat to your agenda," Zarif tweeted, after the US administration announced Wednesday that the imposition was because Zarif "acted or purported to act for or on behalf of" Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was put under sanctions by the United States on June 24.

"The US reason for designating me is that I am Iran's 'primary spokesperson around the world.' Is the truth really that painful?" Zarif noted.

According to US Treasury Department, all property and interests of Zarif in the United States or in the possession or control of US persons must be blocked and reported to the US government.

In addition, any foreign financial institution that knowingly conducts or facilitates a significant transaction for or on behalf of Zarif would also face punishment by the US government.