Iran Vows To Retaliate Against Countries Backing New US Sanctions

Iran has threatened to retaliate against countries that cooperate with new United States sanctions targeting Tehran, warning that governments supporting Washington’s economic campaign could be treated as enemies.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, said on Monday that countries joining the US pressure campaign would face consequences, as Washington prepares to unveil what it has described as its toughest sanctions yet against Iran.

The warning came after Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said countries participating in the US “economic war” against Tehran would be regarded as enemies.

Rezaei warned that Iran would first seek to persuade such countries to distance themselves from Washington, but could subsequently target their interests if they refused.

He also threatened to disrupt oil exports from the Gulf if neighbouring countries joined the US campaign, warning that not “a drop of oil” could leave the region through the Strait of Hormuz or alternative export routes.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy corridors, with roughly one-fifth of global oil and gas exports passing through it in peacetime.

The threats followed US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s announcement that Washington would launch what he called the “single greatest financial offensive ever marshalled against an adversary” against Iran.

Bessent is expected to provide details of the new measures, which are designed to target not only Iran but also countries and businesses that continue trading with Tehran. President Donald Trump has warned of economic consequences for countries providing Iran with what he described as an economic “lifeline”.

China, one of Iran’s biggest oil customers, has already rejected Washington’s approach, saying unilateral sanctions are not an effective way of resolving international disputes. Beijing has also vowed to protect its legitimate interests as the US prepares to expand its sanctions campaign.

The United Arab Emirates, meanwhile, has halted trade with Iran, a move Tehran suspects may have been influenced by Washington’s pressure campaign.

The latest confrontation comes as the US and Iran remain locked in a broader conflict and diplomatic standoff, with the Strait of Hormuz emerging as a major flashpoint.

Iran has also recently threatened restrictions against vessels operating in the waterway, further raising concerns about disruptions to global energy supplies.

The escalating sanctions dispute has already placed additional pressure on Iran’s economy, with the Iranian rial falling to a record low against the US dollar on Monday as Tehran braces for the new measures.