Iran's Security Chief Warns Neighbours Against Joining US Sanctions

Iran's top security official has warned neighbouring countries against participating in any new US-led economic pressure campaign against Tehran, vowing a "seismic" response if they do.

In his most extensive public remarks since his recent appointment, Mohsen Rezaei, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, said Iran would first attempt to negotiate with any country considering joining the US in what he described as an economic war.

"Any country that takes part in imposing economic restrictions on us will be regarded as an enemy," Rezaei said in an interview aired on state television. "We will hold meetings and tell them to step aside and distance themselves from the United States. If they do not, we will strike. We will target that country's interests."

Rezaei also indicated that Iran could target oil-shipping routes in the Persian Gulf, beyond the Strait of Hormuz, if neighbours joined the sanctions push.

The comments come as Washington has vowed to escalate economic pressure on Iran with what it calls an "unprecedented" level of isolation. Iran has been under various international sanctions for years.

Rezaei also accused the United States of increasing global nuclear insecurity, arguing that Washington's actions have undermined faith in international non-proliferation agreements.

"The issue is that Trump's foolishness has increased the appeal of and enthusiasm for nuclear weapons among people around the world," he said. "They came claiming they wanted to create nuclear security, but instead they have created nuclear insecurity."

He further warned that while Iran has so far avoided striking US economic interests, that could change. "If they are going to wage economic sanctions against us, does the United States not have oil companies and other economic interests around Iran and elsewhere? Then we will strike them."

Rezaei was appointed this month as part of a series of senior appointments widely seen as hardening Tehran's political and military stance. He also vowed to bring new capabilities to what he called the next war and warned Washington against sending additional military personnel to the region.