Iran Warns Nations Joining US Economic War Will Be Treated as Enemies

Iran's top security official, Mohsen Rezaei, has issued a stark warning that any nation participating in the United States' economic campaign against Tehran will be regarded as an "enemy." The statement, made in an interview with state-run IRIB TV, escalates rhetoric amid a deepening standoff between the two countries.

Rezaei, who serves as secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, outlined a two-step approach: Tehran would first attempt to negotiate with such countries, urging them to remain neutral. However, he cautioned that if these nations refuse and instead align with Washington's pressure campaign, Iran would target their interests.

In a particularly pointed threat, Rezaei said that if neighboring countries join the US-led siege, Iran "will not let even a single drop of oil be exported from the Strait of Hormuz." The strait, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, has been a recurring flashpoint in regional tensions.

Rezaei also asserted that Iran has developed methods to circumvent US sanctions over the years, maintaining oil sales despite a months-long naval blockade. He reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed unless Washington fulfills its commitments under the Iran-US peace memorandum signed in June, emphasizing that the United States must take the first step this time.

He further stated that Iran would target any US movement along the southern shipping route in the strait and would strike any meetings involving the United States and anti-Iran groups in the region. On a diplomatic note, Rezaei said talks with Oman regarding an alternative shipping route through the strait were progressing well, with an agreement expected.

The warning follows US President Donald Trump's declaration on Wednesday of what he called "the most crushing economic operation ever" against Iran, describing it as "economic warfare and isolation on an unprecedented scale."