Iran Vows Retaliation as US Widens Economic Sanctions

Iran has promised retaliation against the United States for its expanded economic sanctions, warning of potential military action and further reductions in oil exports from the Gulf. Washington stated its objective is to cut off Iran's economic lifeline, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent asserting that countries continuing to trade with Tehran risk exclusion from the dollar-based financial system.

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Around the globe, our objective is to sever every economic lifeline that sustains this tyrannical regime until Tehran stands alone.

"Around the globe, our objective is to sever every economic lifeline that sustains this tyrannical regime until Tehran stands alone," Bessent told reporters. He added that all trading partners would be held accountable for their dealings with Iran. The Treasury Department announced new sanctions targeting 60 individuals, entities, and vessels, but notably refrained from sanctioning Chinese financial institutions suspected of facilitating Iran's oil trade. Bessent, however, maintained that "no one is above the reach of US sanctions."

In response, Iranian Economy Minister Ali Madanizadeh declared the country "fully prepared for the US sanctions." He stated, "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 expressed confidence that China and Russia, Iran's major trading partners, would resist the US measures, predicting similar defiance from other nations.

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We are going to hold everyone accountable, and this is economic asphyxiation of this regime.

Brigadier General Hossein Mohebbi of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reportedly vowed significant blows to US interests and energy chokepoints if Iran's infrastructure is threatened. The ongoing conflict shows little sign of a diplomatic resolution, with the US seeking ways to curb Iranian attacks on shipping in the Gulf and the Red Sea. Despite the escalating rhetoric and fears of further supply disruptions, oil prices fell more than $2 per barrel on Tuesday.

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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.