Iran Threatens to Attack Oil Routes of Countries Joining US 'Economic War'

Iran has warned that it will treat any nation joining the United States in its "economic war" against the Islamic Republic as an "enemy." The warning comes after Washington announced a so-called "Economic D-Day" against Iran. "We tell all neighboring countries not to join the economic war against Iran. Anyone who does so will be considered an enemy country," said Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, in an interview with state television late on Monday. Rezaei, a former commander-in-chief of the Revolutionary Guard, said Iran would first try to negotiate with such countries. "If they continue, we will take action against that country," he added. He specifically threatened to attack oil export routes beyond the Strait of Hormuz used by countries that cooperate with the US pressure campaign. Rezaei also warned that Iran could target US economic interests in the region if Washington proceeds with new financial measures. "We have not attacked any US economic interests. So far, we have only attacked military bases. But if they intend to impose economic sanctions on us, the United States owns oil and economic companies in the region, and we will attack them," he said. In Tehran, the new threat from US President Donald Trump has been met with defiance. On Saturday, Iranian government officials said the country can withstand the "Economic D-Day" and will not change its stance on the conflict or reopen the Strait of Hormuz, despite severe financial troubles including soaring inflation and rising unemployment. Trump announced last Wednesday what he called "the most devastating economic operation ever undertaken against any country" — an "Economic D-Day" aimed at ending a war that has lasted nearly six months. Washington has not yet specified what the new measures will include. However, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that countries providing "any kind of vital assistance to Iran" would face economic consequences. Iran's main trading partners include China, which buys about 90 percent of Iranian oil at a reduced price, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The UAE this week announced it was suspending all commercial relations, trade exchanges, and financial transactions with Iran. Iran has been under US and international economic sanctions for decades, including a ban on selling its oil in international markets. These measures have severely damaged the country's economy but have so far failed to force Tehran to change its policies.