Iran Threatens ‘Earthquake’ Retaliation After US Unveils New Sanctions

Washington has launched its latest economic offensive against Tehran, prompting a stark warning from Iranian officials that the response will be felt far beyond the region. On Monday, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced new measures targeting a complex financial and trade network that Iran has built over years to bypass existing sanctions. The move, described by some analysts as an economic “D-Day,” is designed to significantly cripple Iran’s oil revenues and its ability to fund regional proxies. In response, Iranian leaders issued a direct threat. “We will retaliate like an earthquake,” one senior official said, signaling that the countermeasures will not be limited to the Middle East. While specific actions were not detailed, the statement implies a strategy to raise costs for the United States and its allies globally, potentially through disruptions to shipping, cyberattacks, or pressure on US partners in the region. The new US strategy aims to dismantle the intricate web of front companies, foreign banks, and tanker operations that Iran uses to sell its crude oil. The Treasury’s action follows months of escalating tensions, as the Trump administration seeks to maximize economic pressure to force a change in Tehran’s behavior. Analysts note that while the full impact of the new sanctions will take time to assess, the risk of a wider confrontation has increased. Iran’s “earthquake” threat suggests it views this as an existential challenge, and its response could target US interests and allies in unpredictable ways. The situation remains fluid, with global markets and diplomatic circles watching closely for Tehran’s next move.