The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran strongly condemns the persistent interference of the US administration in the internal affairs of Cuba, and the unlawful sanctions, provocative measures, political pressures, and military threats against the country. The economic and trade sanctions imposed by the United States against Cuba, which have continued since 1960 following the Cuban people’s revolution, constitute a violation of Cuba’s national sovereignty and the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter, in particular the principle of respect for the right of peoples to self-determination. These sanctions have resulted in a gross violation of the human rights of the Cuban people and have caused extensive economic damage to the country. Over the past 66 years – the longest sanctions regime imposed on any country – the illegitimate and inhumane US sanctions against Cuba amount to a crime against humanity due to their far‑reaching effects on the human rights of the Cuban people. The US administration must be held accountable for perpetrating these crimes. The recent escalation of sanctions and the naval blockade against Cuba by the US administration – accompanied by inflammatory and baseless claims against the country with the clear purpose of intimidating and blackmailing the Cuban government – represent yet another example of US lawlessness and bullying, which must be condemned by all governments and by the United Nations. There is no doubt that the resolve of nations to preserve their independence and national dignity cannot be shattered by sanctions and threats. The Islamic Republic of Iran, while expressing its full solidarity with the government and people of Cuba, emphasizes the necessity of respecting the national sovereignty of states, non‑interference in their internal affairs, and an end to unilateral coercive measures against developing countries.