Iran Security Chief Warns Neighbors Against Joining US 'Economic War'

Warnings to Regional Neighbors

Mohsen Rezaei, the newly appointed leader of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, has warned neighboring countries against participating in United States efforts to pressure Tehran’s economy. In his first interview since his appointment, Rezaei stated that any neighboring countries joining what he described as an "economic war" would be considered enemies.

Rezaei explicitly told neighboring nations not to participate in the economic conflict with the United States, warning that Iran would "target their interests" if they did so.

Threats to Oil Shipping Routes

As part of these warnings, Rezaei threatened to disrupt critical energy exports in the region. He stated that if neighboring countries cooperate with the Americans in this economic war, "not a single drop of oil will leave the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz".

Beyond the Strait of Hormuz, Rezaei indicated that Iran would target alternative oil-shipping routes used to export oil from the Persian Gulf.

Context of US-Iran Tensions

These statements come amid heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington. The warnings follow assertions by US President Donald Trump regarding the Strait of Hormuz, which the Guardian reports Trump has viewed as a new US territory.

Iran has previously used the Strait of Hormuz—a vital waterway through which approximately 20 percent of the world’s oil is transported—as a lever in its conflicts with the United States and Israel.