Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani has responded to US sanctions on the country’s oil sales with air defence drills, saying the nation faces a “war situation”.
Oil is a crucial source of income for Iran, and sanctions are expected to further wound the country’s weak economy, which has seen it’s currency plummet and cost of living rise.
Eight countries will be temporarily exempt from the sanctions, aimed at curbing Iran support for regional militant groups and development of long-range missiles.