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Iran warns neighbours against joining US economic pressure

On August 23 Tehran’s newly appointed chief of the Supreme National Security Council, Mohsen Rezaei, warned Gulf neighbours that any country aiding a U.S. Campaign to squeeze Iran’s economy would be treated as an enemy. The warning comes as the United States has signalled a “most crushing economic operation” against the nation, a move that could tighten sanctions and threaten regional shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Rezaei said Iran would “target their interests” if neighbouring states joined the U.S. Effort. He added that the country would consider such states enemies and could disrupt oil‑export routes beyond the Strait of Hormuz. The statement was repeated in interviews with the Iranian state broadcaster IRIB and echoed on News9live and Samaa TV.

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Rezaei’s remarks were made against a backdrop of escalating U.S. Sanctions. U.S. President Donald Trump has vowed to impose the “most crushing economic operation ever” on Iran, describing it as an unprecedented level of economic warfare and isolation. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said Washington will announce measures “that have never been seen” and that the U.S. Is ready to resume talks if conditions allow.

In the same day, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the country was in a “full‑scale economic, military and security war.” He described Iran as a “power that amazes the world with its resistance, solidarity and cohesion” despite U.S. Aggression and said the government was “ashamed” that significant economic problems persist.

Washington’s potential measures include secondary sanctions on Chinese banks that facilitate Iranian oil payments, restrictions on aviation, and a possible land blockade involving Iran’s neighbours. The U.S. Could also target Chinese “teapot” refiners that process a large share of Iranian oil exports. These options were outlined in the CNBC‑TV18 coverage, which noted that China buys more than 80 % of Iran’s shipped oil.

Amid the threat of wider sanctions, Iran has sought to secure alternative shipping routes. The country has reached a tentative agreement with Oman on a proposed route through the Strait of Hormuz, although Tehran insists the arrangement is only on paper for now. The U.S. Has expressed concerns over parts of the emerging arrangement. In the meantime, some Iraqi oil tankers have been allowed to pass through the Strait, and France and Saudi Arabia are reportedly exploring other routes that bypass the waterway.

The Strait of Hormuz remains the focal point of the confrontation. Washington claims the waterway is “open and operating,” while Iran insists it will not fully reopen until the U.S. Meets its demands. Kpler data shows a sharp decline in confirmed crossings, and a vessel near Oman was damaged by a projectile, causing a crew casualty.

Rezaei’s warning of retaliation is a direct response to the U.S. Threat. He said that if neighbouring countries join the U.S. Economic war, “not a single drop of oil will leave the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.” He also warned that Iran could target alternative routes used to transport oil from the Gulf.

In the broader context, Egypt’s foreign minister has held discussions with his Iranian counterpart in an attempt to revive U.S.–Iran negotiations. Iraq has also expressed a willingness to cooperate, and the region’s diplomatic landscape is shifting as the U.S. And Iran weigh the costs of continued pressure.

Rezaei’s comments came after the U.S. Treasury announced it would consider secondary tariffs on countries that continue trading with Iran, a move that could broaden the scope of economic pressure. The U.S. Has also warned that any country providing Iran with a lifeline could face significant economic consequences.

Rezaei argued that U.S. Military action against Iran could encourage more countries to seek nuclear weapons. He accused the U.S. Of creating “nuclear insecurity” rather than strengthening nuclear security, citing Iran’s acceptance of international safeguards and inspections.

Iran’s leadership has also indicated that it will adjust its military and diplomatic strategy based on lessons learned from the current conflict. The Supreme Leader’s recent appointments are viewed as evidence that the country is preparing for possible future confrontation.