Iran warns of harsh response to new U.S. sanctions
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Iran warned on Monday of a harsh response to new U.S. sanctions against Tehran, saying increased pressure would not bring peace to the Middle East.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said Tehran would respond to the expanded sanctions, including measures targeting countries that cooperate with Washington against Iran.
“Any escalation of this situation will undoubtedly bring about consequences,” Baghaei said, adding that Iran’s “hands are not tied.”
The warning came a day after the new head of Iran’s top security body said Tehran would consider support by any country for the sanctions an “act of war.”
The United States announced the new measures after weeks of deadlock with Tehran, as Washington has failed to end Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway through which around one-fifth of the world’s traded oil passed before the war began nearly six months ago, according to the Associated Press.
Iran has linked the reopening of the strait to several demands, including the lifting of the U.S. naval blockade, the withdrawal of American forces from the region and compensation for damage caused during the war.
Tehran has also held separate talks with Oman, located across the Strait of Hormuz, over the possibility of jointly managing the waterway, regardless of whether a new agreement is reached with Washington.
While sanctions have historically driven up the prices of basic goods and increased economic pressure on Iranian households, Tehran has adapted to decades of restrictions by expanding trade relations with alternative partners and developing domestic industries.
Iran’s currency fell to a record low on Monday, adding to the economic pressure facing the country as tensions with the United States continue to escalate.
The latest sanctions and Iran’s response signal further uncertainty over prospects for easing tensions or reaching an agreement to reopen one of the world’s most important oil transit routes.