U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned on Sunday of an imminent economic offensive against Iran, describing the measures as the most severe sanctions ever imposed on a nation. The announcement, scheduled for Monday at 3:00 p.m., marks what Bessent termed a 'D-Day' in the confrontation, following what Washington claims was the near-elimination of Iran’s military capabilities.
In response, Iran’s National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaee threatened to suspend all oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz or any point in the Persian Gulf. 'Not a single drop of oil will be exported,' Rezaee stated, framing the move as a retaliatory measure against the escalating economic pressure. Tehran has demanded the lifting of the U.S. naval blockade, adherence to a June peace agreement that collapsed in early August, and the resumption of negotiations.
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, has seen commercial traffic plummet to a fraction of pre-war levels. Despite U.S. claims of total victory over Iran and assertions that the strait remains open for navigation, shipping data indicates persistent risks of Iranian attacks on vessels. The conflict expanded further in August when Houthi forces in Yemen, backed by Iran, declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia and targeted ships in the Red Sea.
Iran has already faced stringent U.S. restrictions on oil sales and economic activities, compounded by a naval blockade imposed after the June agreement failed. The latest threats from Tehran underscore the escalating economic and geopolitical tensions, with both sides hardening their positions amid a conflict nearing six months.
