New Delhi: Iran has issued a stark warning to the United States, threatening to stop all oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz and other parts of the Persian Gulf if Washington continues its economic pressure campaign against Tehran.
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei said the country could block oil exports entirely if what Tehran describes as an economic war continues. He also warned that countries supporting or participating in the US pressure campaign could be considered to have committed an act of war against Iran.
The warning comes as Washington prepares a fresh round of economic measures aimed at Iran and countries maintaining trade and financial links with Tehran. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is expected to outline the measures, which have been described as an exceptionally large financial offensive.
The proposed action is expected to increase pressure on nations continuing to conduct business with Iran. Washington has also urged China to cooperate with its efforts, highlighting Beijing’s dependence on Gulf oil supplies.
China has rejected the approach of using sanctions and economic pressure, arguing that diplomacy is needed to resolve the dispute.
Iranian leaders have responded sharply to the latest US threats. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf used a satirical “Iran boomerang” message to suggest that aggressive economic measures could ultimately hurt those imposing them.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has also criticised Washington’s strategy, portraying the renewed economic campaign as evidence that the US is relying heavily on financial pressure.
The escalating confrontation has placed the Strait of Hormuz at the centre of global energy concerns. The vital waterway carries a significant share of international oil shipments, and prolonged disruption could affect energy supplies and fuel prices worldwide.
Iran is already facing economic strain from longstanding sanctions, disrupted trade and damage to infrastructure. Any further escalation around Hormuz could increase pressure on global shipping and energy markets, while raising fears of a wider regional confrontation.
Sorry, there was a YouTube error.
