Iran vows response to US threat of unprecedented economic sanctions

Iranian leadership has signaled a defiant response to threats from the United States regarding new, severe economic sanctions. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that Washington intends to unveil the “toughest sanctions ever imposed on Iran,” with further details expected soon. This follows warnings from President Donald Trump regarding economic consequences for any nation providing a “lifeline” to Tehran.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, speaking in Iraq, characterized the US approach as a shift from military to “economic and cognitive war,” suggesting that Washington has failed to prevail in direct military confrontation. Ghalibaf urged Iranian and Iraqi business leaders to develop plans to bypass financial blockades, proposing the use of local currencies for commercial transactions to mitigate the impact of sanctions.

In response, Iranian military officials, including Major General Ali Abdollahi, have promised “crushing, punishing and devastating responses” across land, sea, air, and cyberspace. Meanwhile, the regional impact is being felt in Iraq, where officials have sought special permission from Iran to export oil through the Strait of Hormuz due to maritime restrictions and regional instability.