The Iranian parliament speaker, Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf, warned the United States on Thursday that its planned intensification of economic sanctions against Tehran risks triggering a counterproductive backlash.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday a planned escalation in economic pressure on Iran, describing the move as a 'financial D-Day' for the country. He also threatened severe penalties for any nations supporting Tehran, though no specific policy details were provided. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is scheduled to outline the measures in a press briefing on Monday, describing them as 'the harshest sanctions in history.'
Despite claims from Iranian state media that Tehran has adapted to sanctions by developing sophisticated evasion strategies, the country's economic outlook remains dire. Inflation has surged, placing significant strain on household incomes and public finances. Iranian officials have repeatedly asserted their ability to circumvent restrictions, yet the broader economic impact persists.
In a separate development, Mohsen Rezai, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, issued a warning to oil-rich Gulf states against participating in any U.S.-led economic campaign. 'Anyone who joins this economic war will be considered an enemy,' Rezai stated in a televised address. 'Not a single drop of oil will pass through the Persian Gulf.'
