Iran warns neighbors against joining U.S. sanctions

Iran has issued warnings to neighboring countries against participating in United States-led economic sanctions, stating that such actions would result in those nations being deemed “enemies.” Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, threatened to retaliate by blocking oil exports through the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz if regional states join the American economic campaign.

The tensions follow the Trump administration's plans for intensified sanctions, which may target Chinese refineries and banks involved in processing Iranian funds. China currently accounts for over 80% of Iran's seaborne oil purchases. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian characterized the situation as a “full-scale economic, military and security war,” noting that the ongoing uncertainty is deterring domestic investment.

Meanwhile, the Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed due to the standoff and a U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports. While some vessels, such as Iraqi oil tankers, have occasionally been permitted to pass, no formal agreement has been reached with Oman to reopen the waterway. In a related development, Donald Trump has shared social media posts labeling the Strait of Hormuz as “NEW U. S. Territory.”