Iran vows retaliation as U.S. widens sanctions

Iran has promised to retaliate against expanded U.S. economic sanctions, which the U.S. claims will cut off Iran's economic lifeline. Tehran expressed confidence that major trading partners would resist Washington's pressure campaign.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent unveiled the measures, warning that countries continuing to trade with Iran risked being forced out of the dollar-based financial system. While Bessent declined to identify specific countries or the timing of penalties, he indicated that countries would be given time to comply. The Treasury Department announced new sanctions on 60 individuals, entities, and vessels, but notably excluded Chinese financial institutions suspected of facilitating Iran's oil trade.

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We are fully prepared for the U.S. sanctions.

Before the announcement, Iran had threatened military responses and further reductions in oil exports. Following the announcement, Iranian Economy Minister Ali Madanizadeh stated, "We are fully prepared for the U.S. sanctions." He added, "Naturally, the enemies intend to launch an economic terrorist ⁠attack on us, but we also have our own tools and know how to play the game. Our defense is no longer so defensive; the enemies should wait for an attack." Madanizadeh also claimed that neither China nor Russia had "accepted" the U.S. measures, predicting other countries would resist them.

Brigadier General Hossein Mohebbi of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps vowed significant blows to U.S. vital interests and energy chokepoints if Iran's infrastructure was threatened, according to Press TV. The U.S. administration, struggling with an unpopular war and rising energy prices, appears to be relying on continued economic pressure, despite decades of sanctions that have impacted Iran's economy but not deterred its leadership. While major strikes have been infrequent, the conflict shows no signs of a diplomatic resolution, prompting the U.S. to seek new methods to end Iranian attacks on shipping in the Gulf and Red Sea.

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Naturally, the enemies intend to launch an economic terrorist ⁠attack on us, but we also have our own tools and know how to play the game. Our defense is no longer so defensive; the enemies should wait for an attack.