Iran President Rouhani Denounces US Sanctions as 'Invasion'

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani has called the sanctions imposed by western nations as  "Invasion".

Rouhani's statement comes in the wake of the United States imposing penalties on more than 25 businesses, banks and individuals on Friday

 "Sanctions are an invasion of the Iranian nation. We should resist the invasion and put the invaders in their place," Rouhani told officials in remarks broadcast by Iran's state TV. "We should not allow the continuation and repetition of the invasion," he said, reports Associated Press.

The U.S. on Friday had penalized more than 25 businesses, banks and individuals who were suspected of helping Iran to expand its nuclear program. They are also accused of supporting terrorism and helping Iran to evade U.S. and international sanctions.

This move prevents U.S. citizens from dealing with any of the mentioned parties. It also blocks their property under U.S. jurisdiction..

Some of the affected companies were Iran's Asia Bank, Caspian Air, Meraj Air and Lissom Marine Services LLC, a shipping firm, according to Reuters.

Iran's state TV said the move violated a temporary agreement reached with world powers under which Western nations decided to agree to ease sanctions in exchange for Iran limiting its nuclear activities.

But the sanctions imposed on Friday are not new  but just call for implementing the existing sanctions.

Iran is suspected of secretly seeking nuclear weapons capability. However, Iran vehemently denies it saying that its nuclear plans are for peaceful purposes like generating power and producing medical isotopes.