The Iranian foreign minister announced that while Washington’s move to blacklist new companies for their dealings with Iran is an “inappropriate” move, Iran will continue to push ahead with the Geneva talks.

Mohammad Javad Zarif said on his Facebook page on Sunday December 15: “In the past days, inappropriate actions have been taken by the Americans, which we will respond to in the appropriate form and in consideration of all aspects of the matter. Some of our friends were not positive about the Geneva talks from the beginning and have immediately referred to this as the premature death of the deal; however, this is more like wishful thinking than the reality.”

He added: “We will pursue those talks with all seriousness and of course we will respond to every inappropriate and unconstructive move (even if it is not a breach of the agreement) with an appropriate, calculated, targeted and intelligent response.”

Last week the U.S. blacklisted a dozen new companies and individuals for dealing with Iran. The move was condemned by Iran, and Iranian hardliners have referred to it as the death of the Geneva deal.

Russia has also condemned the U.S. move as an action against the spirit of the Geneva agreement.

Radio Zamaneh