Iran has criticised the European Union over its support for additional US economic pressure against Tehran.

Iran accused the bloc of abandoning its claims of strategic independence by backing Washington’s efforts to increase economic pressure on the country.

The criticism followed an EU statement supporting efforts to compel Iran to halt what the bloc described as destabilising activities and engage in peace negotiations through additional economic pressure.

Iran has repeatedly rejected the US sanctions campaign, arguing that economic pressure will not force Tehran to change its policies.

The latest dispute comes amid a renewed US campaign to isolate Iran economically, with Washington seeking international support for additional sanctions against entities maintaining economic ties with Tehran.

Iranian officials have described the US pressure strategy as ineffective and said the country remains capable of managing the economic consequences of sanctions.

The renewed pressure has already contributed to significant economic challenges in Iran, including currency weakness and high inflation.

Tehran also criticised European governments for supporting measures that it said would further damage economic relations with Iran.

The Iranian government maintained that dialogue and diplomacy, rather than economic coercion, offered a more effective path towards resolving outstanding disputes.

The disagreement further highlights tensions between Iran and Western countries as efforts continue to pressure Tehran into negotiations.