Iran warns of severe retaliation to looming U.S. sanctions
Iran's parliament and officials said the United States' planned sanctions could trigger a devastating response, while China urged dialogue over pressure tactics.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced plans to impose what he called the "toughest sanctions in history" on Iran, urging allies to join the effort. In response, Iran's parliament passed a resolution that would punish citizens who speak to foreign media with up to two years in prison and warned that any sanctions could provoke a "devastating" retaliation.
China's foreign ministry pushed back, with spokesperson Lin Jian stating that military means, sanctions and pressure tactics are not solutions and would only lead to escalation, calling for disputes to be resolved through dialogue and negotiation.
The United States also reiterated its control over the Strait of Hormuz, with President Donald Trump posting on social media that the U.S. maintains "total control" of the waterway and that a naval blockade is effectively a "wall of steel" against Iran.
Analysts note that the U.S. naval blockade has already reduced Iranian oil exports, with Chinese imports falling sharply and large volumes of Iranian crude stranded at sea, limiting new supplies for late-September deliveries.
Oil markets reacted to the heightened tensions, with Brent crude rising above $93 a barrel, its highest level in nearly a month, as traders weighed the impact of the sanctions threat and the ongoing blockade.