Iran: Iran warned neighboring countries on Saturday against joining the US 'economic war,' threatening to target their interests and prevent oil exports from the Gulf if they cooperate with Washington.
According to Anadolu Agency, Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaee stated on state broadcaster IRIB, "We tell all neighboring countries not to participate in the economic war with the US; otherwise, we will consider them an enemy." He emphasized that although Iran is not seeking to expand the conflict, it will retaliate against any neighboring nation that aligns with the US economic efforts, specifically targeting their interests.
Rezaee further cautioned that cooperation with the US campaign would result in a blockade on oil exports, declaring, "not a single drop of oil will leave the Persian Gulf or the Strait of Hormuz." He also mentioned that Iran would target alternative routes for oil exports from the Gulf. Rezaee made a stern warning to the US, stating, "If Trump wants to take action, we will respond in kind with earthquake-like force."
He also commented on the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that it remains closed despite US claims otherwise and would only reopen if the US alters its approach. "This time, it is the United States that must first fulfill its commitments," Rezaee stated, emphasizing Iran's significant control over the Gulf coastline and its rightful management of the Strait of Hormuz.
Rezaee reiterated Iran's desire to end the conflict in West Asia and oppose global warmongering. The backdrop to this tension is US President Donald Trump's recent announcement of a significant economic campaign against Iran, described as 'Economic Warfare and Isolation on an unprecedented scale.'
The ongoing strain is set against the backdrop of a memorandum of understanding signed between Iran and the US in June, mediated by Pakistan and Qatar, to cease hostilities that began in February. Talks have since stagnated due to disagreements over the implementation of the memorandum and navigation arrangements through the critical Strait of Hormuz.