Iran Issues Stark Warning to Neighboring Nations Against Joining US Economic Campaign

Iran has issued a stern warning, stating it will treat nearby countries as enemies and target their interests if they participate in a United States campaign aimed at crippling its economy.

Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, delivered the warning during a Saturday interview with state broadcaster IRIB. “We’re telling all nearby countries not to join the US economic war. Otherwise, we will consider them as enemies,” Rezaei stated to IRIB.

The remarks follow escalating economic threats from the administration of US President Donald Trump. On Wednesday, Trump announced that his government would undertake the “most crushing economic operation” yet against Iran amid ongoing hostilities.

The US and Israel have been engaged in a conflict with Iran since February 28, when the two allies launched initial strikes against Tehran. Alongside threats to Iran's economy, Trump pledged “tremendous economic consequences” for any nation offering Iran “any type of lifeline.” US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reinforced the position the following day, declaring, “You’re either with us or against us.”

During Saturday's interview, Rezaei outlined Iran’s regional strategy as a three-stage approach, beginning with de-escalation efforts. “First we negotiate. Then, we try to separate them from America with pleasant language, because we are not really looking to expand the war,” he explained, adding that compliant nations would be given time to reconsider before Iran takes definitive action in the third stage.

While US military operations persist, Rezaei argued that the Trump administration is relying on economic pressure to fracture Iranian society and end the conflict. Stalled negotiations have persisted following the breakdown of a June 17 memorandum of understanding aimed at securing a permanent halt to military operations.

Control of the Strait of Hormuz remains a critical flashpoint, with Iran having closed the shipping lane early in the conflict and causing oil and fertilizer prices to surge. As Middle Eastern nations seek alternative trade routes, Rezaei cautioned that Iran would target these alternative oil-shipping paths if regional states participate in US economic warfare.

Additionally, Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the incoming US measures as an assertion of “extraterritorial sovereignty” over United Nations member states, while reports indicate Tehran may broaden its targets to include US allies in Europe supporting Trump’s operations.