Iran Warns Regional Nations Against Backing US ‘Economic War’

Iran issued a stark warning against countries that align with upcoming US sanctions, with officials signaling that any nation supporting Washington’s economic pressure campaign would be treated as an adversary. The warning comes as oil traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains severely disrupted nearly six months into the conflict.

Iran Threatens Broader Retaliation

Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, told state television that Tehran would target the interests of any country joining the US economic campaign against Iran. According to CBS News, Iran has further warned it could strike tankers beyond the Strait of Hormuz if regional nations back the new US sanctions. Iran’s Foreign Ministry also condemned the incoming sanctions, calling them an unlawful assertion of authority over independent UN member states.

Hormuz Shipping Remains Near a Standstill

Traffic through the strait has collapsed dramatically, with only two to three large crude carriers now passing daily compared to roughly eight before the war, according to data from Kpler, representing about 5% of pre-war shipping levels. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said American military support has helped move an average of 8 million barrels daily through the strait, down sharply from over 20 million barrels before the conflict began.

Sanctions Announcement Expected Monday

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is set to detail what he has called the toughest sanctions in history against Iran, while also pressing China, Iran’s largest oil buyer, to cooperate. Iran has separately granted limited passage to Iraqi oil tankers following requests from Baghdad. Meanwhile, Iranian officials continue showcasing missile production capabilities, even as President Masoud Pezeshkian has called for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict.