Iran has warned that countries supporting US economic pressure could be treated as enemies and face retaliation. Tehran also said it could stop oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz if the economic campaign continues. The warning comes after US President Donald Trump announced tougher measures against countries that provide Iran with economic support, raising fears of another regional crisis.
Iran issues warning over US economic pressure
Iran has warned other countries not to support the US economic campaign against Tehran. Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said any country taking part in or supporting the campaign would be considered to be committing an act of war.
In a social media post, Rezaei said, “If the economic war continues, not a single drop of oil will be exported, neither through the Strait of Hormuz nor from anywhere in the Persian Gulf. Iran will regard any country’s participation in or support for America’s economic war against the Iranian people as an act of war.”
Trump announces tougher economic measures
Rezaei’s latest warning came after comments by US President Donald Trump. In a Wednesday post on Truth Social, Trump announced what he called “the most crushing economic operation ever taken” against countries providing Iran with a lifeline.
Trump said the move would amount to economic warfare and isolation on an unprecedented scale. He described the campaign as an “ECONOMIC D-DAY.”
Iran threatens action against countries that join US pressure
Rezaei had already issued a similar warning on Saturday during an interview with Iran’s state-run IRIB TV. He said Iran would first negotiate with countries that joined the US campaign and ask them to stay out of the conflict.
However, he warned that Tehran could target the interests of countries that refuse. He also said Iran would not allow oil to leave the Strait of Hormuz if nearby countries joined the US effort.
Rezaei said Iran has learned over the years how to bypass US sanctions and continue selling oil.
Strait of Hormuz remains a major pressure point
Rezaei also repeated Iran’s position that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed unless the United States meets its commitments under a June memorandum of understanding between Iran and the US.
He said Washington must take the first step this time.
Iran-US talks face uncertainty
On June 18, the United States and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the war in the region on all fronts, including Lebanon. The agreement called for negotiations within 60 days to reach a final deal.
That 60-day period ended on Monday, but the future of the talks remains unclear after tensions between the two countries increased last month.
