Iran vows strong retaliation to prospective U.S. sanctions
Iran warned that any new U.S. sanctions would trigger a broad and decisive military response, while the United States prepared to announce the toughest financial penalties yet against Tehran.
Iran's armed forces chief, Major General Ali Abdollahi, told state media that the country would respond to any new U.S. threats with "crushing, punishing and devastating" actions across land, sea, air, air defence and cyberspace. The statement came after U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said details of a planned sanctions package would be released on Monday, following President Donald Trump's warning of economic consequences for nations that aid Iran.
Bessent told a business news outlet that the United States aims to "collapse this regime" and indicated that the sanctions could affect countries such as China, which imports a large share of Iranian oil. China’s embassy in Washington responded that sanctions and pressure do not resolve the issue and called for diplomatic solutions.
Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said the sanctions are unjust and that Iran must develop plans to overcome them, while also acknowledging the strain on the Iranian economy and the need for domestic production and growth.
The announcement coincided with a rise in international and U.S. crude oil futures, reflecting market concerns about tighter supply. NATO officials said they are discussing ways to support freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, though the alliance does not consider it a NATO mission.
Both sides have previously announced ceasefire agreements aimed at keeping the strait open for oil shipments, but the United States has opposed any arrangement that would impose tolls on vessels.