"The US policy towards Iran is well-known. We don’t really condone it, sanctions for political reasons ... Sanctions hurt people more than governments ... people of any country whether in Iran or others, when they are subjected to economic sanctions, especially on the source that generates revenues substantially and significantly — this is very hurting. I don’t think any human being would like to see other people suffer because of political differences", the minister said on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).
Ghadhban pointed out that Iraq had been under UN sanctions for over a decade "and it was terrible".
READ MORE: Baghdad Backs Tehran, Will Reject Unilateral US Action - Iraq's Foreign Minister
The United States said last year it was withdrawing from the nuclear deal with Iran and reimposing sanctions. The restrictions returned in two phases, with sanctions on Iran's oil trade going into force in November. The United States initially granted several countries waivers to keep importing Iranian oil, but this spring, the White House decided to end the exemptions.