Iran has issued a stern warning that it will strike the interests of any country participating in the United States’ newly intensified economic campaign against Tehran.
The statement comes as Washington prepares to unveil additional sanctions designed to isolate the Iranian economy.
Mohsen Rezaei, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, announced on state broadcaster IRIB that Tehran is urging regional neighbors and global partners to distance themselves from US measures.
”Any country that takes part in imposing economic restrictions on us will be regarded as an enemy,” Rezaei said, warning of “seismic” retaliation.
Rezaei outlined a three-phase response strategy, stating that Tehran would initially seek diplomatic de-escalation. “We will hold talks and tell them to step aside… But if they do not act, we will strike. We will target that country’s interests,” he said.
The warning follows remarks from US President Donald Trump, who promised the “most crushing economic operation” against Tehran, and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who urged global compliance, stating, “You’re either with us or against us”. Washington is expected to outline the new sanctions on Monday.
Sanctions Challenge International Law
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei rejected the upcoming US economic measures, calling them an assertion of “extraterritorial sovereignty” over United Nations member states and asserting that secondary sanctions lack any basis in international law.
Strait of Hormuz Deadlock
The escalating economic battle occurs against the backdrop of stalled diplomatic talks and ongoing disruption in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran closed the vital energy corridor following joint US-Israeli military strikes on February 28, driving global commodity and fuel prices sharply higher.
While Iranian state media outlet IRNA reported that special transit permission was recently granted to Iraqi oil tankers, local reporting indicates the waterway remains functionally blocked until the US lifts its naval blockade. Discussions between Iran and Oman regarding maritime management have yet to yield a formal agreement.
Diplomatic Outreach
Amid rising tensions, regional diplomacy continues behind the scenes. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to discuss de-escalation pathways, including resuming US-Iran negotiations and advancing Omani-mediated talks to restore regional security. Separately, Araghchi held discussions with Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, focusing on regional stability.
