Iran warns neighboring states of retaliation if they join U.S. economic pressure campaign

Iran's Supreme National Security Council secretary, Mohsen Rezaei, told state broadcaster IRIB on Saturday that regional countries that align with a U.S. effort to cripple Iran's economy would be regarded as enemies and could face attacks on their interests.

Rezaei's remarks follow recent statements by U.S. President Donald Trump, who said his administration would launch a major economic operation against Iran and warned of "tremendous economic consequences" for any state providing a "lifeline" to Tehran. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent added that nations must choose to be "with us or against us."

In the interview, Rezaei outlined a three-stage regional strategy that begins with negotiations, followed by attempts to persuade neighboring states to distance themselves from the United States, and, if they continue to side with Washington, a final stage of decisive action. He suggested that U.S. economic pressure aims to undermine Iranian unity and provoke internal unrest.

The United States and Israel have maintained a military confrontation with Iran since late February, while diplomatic talks to end hostilities have stalled after a June memorandum of understanding failed. Control of the Strait of Hormuz remains a contentious issue, with Iran having previously restricted traffic through the waterway, prompting regional exporters to seek alternative routes. Rezaei warned that Iran would target those alternative oil-shipping routes if neighboring states participated in the U.S. economic campaign.

Iran's foreign ministry also condemned the upcoming U.S. measures as an attempt to impose extraterritorial sovereignty over United Nations member states.