Iranian Security Council chief says country sold 70 million barrels of oil despite U.S. sanctions
Supreme National Security Council head Mohsen Rezaee claimed Iran has sold tens of millions of barrels of oil in recent weeks, bypassing U.S. sanctions, and warned of retaliation against nations joining what he called an "economic war" with Tehran.
Iran's Supreme National Security Council chief Mohsen Rezaee told the state-run IRIB network that the country has sold about 70 million barrels of oil in the past one to two months, adding that daily shipments continue to reach American vessels. He said the sales were made despite the United States' naval blockade and that Iran has generated billions of dollars from the transactions.
Rezaee warned that any country that joins what he described as a U.S. "economic war" against Iran would face retaliation, stating, "We will strike the interests of the country" if diplomatic appeals are ignored. He also indicated that Iran could target oil and economic facilities if the United States escalates its pressure.
The official accused the United States and Israel of fueling regional conflicts to boost arms sales, arguing that Iran is not seeking war and has engaged in multiple rounds of negotiations with the United States. Rezaee said the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until the United States meets its obligations.
Commenting on a defense pact among Pakistan, Turkey and Saudi Arabia, he suggested the Gulf states are seeking to fill a perceived U.S. vacuum in the region. He also criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies, claiming they increased American debt.
Rezaee rejected U.S. claims that the conflict aims to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, asserting that Iran has complied with International Atomic Energy Agency inspections and that the war actually heightens global nuclear risk.