Iran Condemns Looming US Sanctions and Threatens Retaliation as Strait of Hormuz Standoff Intensifies

Iran has strongly condemned looming US economic sanctions ahead of Washington's planned announcement, while issuing strict threats of retaliation against any nations that join the pressure campaign. This escalation unfolds as Washington and Tehran show minimal indication of returning to negotiations, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian calling for an end to the conflict.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei stated that the upcoming sanctions represent an attempt by Washington to enforce its authority over independent states. "Such secondary sanctions find no foundation in international law," Mr Baghaei remarked on social media.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is scheduled to unveil these new economic measures after previously threatening to impose "the toughest sanctions in history" on Iran. US President Donald Trump has additionally cautioned countries against providing Tehran with any form of lifeline, directing particular pressure toward China, which acquires over 80 percent of Iran's seaborne oil exports according to Kpler data.

The mounting economic pressure is already impacting Iran, as the central bank governor reported that the nation's oil exports have effectively dropped to zero and foreign currency access is increasingly restricted. "There is no doubt that we have restrictions on oil exports," Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati noted on state television, adding that overseas counterparts confirmed revenue from Iranian oil sales had fallen to zero.

Mohsen Rezaei, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, warned that countries co-operating with Washington will be treated as enemies and could face attacks on their interests. "We tell all countries around us: do not join the US in its economic war, otherwise, we will regard you as an enemy," Mr Rezaei declared in a state television interview. He cautioned that co-operation could halt all oil exports throughout the Gulf, stating that "not a single drop of oil will leave the Gulf or the Strait of Hormuz," and warned that Iran might also target alternative export routes while asserting Tehran's responsibility for managing the waterway.

Maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has experienced a sharp decline. Iraqi President Nizar Amidi noted that Iran granted permission for several Iraqi oil tankers to navigate through the strait following repeated requests from Baghdad amidst regional conflict disruptions. This disruption is prompting Gulf states to explore alternatives, leading Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to travel to France to discuss alternative maritime routes, pipelines, and regional rail projects with President Emmanuel Macron.

Simultaneous diplomatic channels remain active. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a telephone discussion with Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, concerning regional developments and security cooperation. Reports suggest Field Marshal Munir may travel to Tehran soon to help restart negotiations between Iran and the US.

The immediate negotiating climate remains tense, with Washington preparing to enforce further economic measures following the expiration of a 60-day window to reach an accord. Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian adopted a contrasting stance compared to the security establishment, asserting that ending the conflict from a position of power and dignity is preferable. He also defended earlier diplomatic engagement with Washington as a major agreement achieved with strength.

These sanctions risk straining Washington's relationship with Beijing just as much as its pressure on Tehran. As Iran's primary oil buyer, China faces direct trade implications from measures targeting purchasers, shipping companies, or financial intermediaries. While Washington presses Beijing for cooperation, China continues to advocate for diplomacy and opposes unilateral pressure. For Iran, these combined sanctions and restricted exports threaten severe economic consequences, while Gulf states face mounting risks from relying on a single maritime energy chokepoint.