Iran rejects US sanctions push as Hormuz shipping collapses

Iran has condemned Washington's plan to announce a fresh round of sanctions, calling the move an illegal assertion of authority over sovereign nations. The announcement, expected on Monday from US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, follows his threat to impose what he called "the toughest sanctions in history" on Tehran.

Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, said on Saturday that such secondary sanctions have no basis in international law. His remarks came as the two sides remain locked in a conflict that began with US and Israeli airstrikes on February 28, with no active fighting but also no visible path to negotiations.

The economic pressure is already being felt. Ship-tracking data shows only four commodity vessels transited the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, none of them large crude carriers or LNG tankers. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the US military has helped move a seven-day average of 8 million barrels per day through the strait, down from over 20 million before the war.

Tehran has threatened to strike unauthorised tankers attempting to use the waterway, though it has granted permission for several Iraqi oil tankers to pass following requests from Baghdad, according to Iran's state news agency IRNA.

Iran's military leadership struck a defiant tone. Major General Ali Abdollahi, chief of staff of the armed forces, promised "crushing, punishing and devastating responses" to enemy threats. He visited an underground ballistic missile plant on Saturday, saying it now produces equipment superior in capacity, quality, and quantity.

Parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said Tehran has received "numerous messages" from neighbouring countries about new regional security arrangements, without naming them. He accused the US of endangering its regional allies for Israel's sake and argued that an independent, homegrown regional order would bring peace.

US President Donald Trump said Washington is watching the situation closely, adding that Iran "would love to make a deal, but they're not ready to make the right deal." He has warned of economic consequences for any country providing support to Iran, a message aimed at China, which buys over 80% of Iran's shipped oil.

While Iran projects confidence, the toll is visible. Thousands have been killed, mainly in Iran, where 168 school children died on the first day of the war. The US has reported 18 military deaths and over 750 wounded. President Masoud Pezeshkian has called for a diplomatic solution, saying it would be better to end the war while Iran remains powerful and the world condemns the attacks on its schools and hospitals.