Iran warns neighbors against joining US economic campaign

Shafaq News- Tehran

Iran will treat any neighboring country that sides with Washington's campaign against it as an enemy, Mohsen Rezaei, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, said on Saturday in an interview with an Iranian broadcaster.

Rezaei warned that if neighboring states joined Washington's campaign, Iran would target their interests and would prevent oil from leaving the Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz. He added that Iran would also target alternative regional export routes.

Rezaei claimed the strait was already closed despite US statements to the contrary and would not reopen until Washington changed its conduct, arguing that Iran controls more than half of the strait's coastline and should manage the waterway.

On Thursday, US President Donald Trump vowed to isolate Iran and impose heavy costs on any government that offers Iran financial or commercial support. He also threatened severe consequences for countries that let their financial institutions, companies, airports, or government bodies assist Iran, calling for an end to what he described as oil smuggling, barter arrangements, cash transfers, currency exchange operations, and front companies.