Iran security chief threatens neighbors against new U.S. economic measures
Iran's new security chief, Mohsen Rezaei, has issued strong warnings to neighboring countries against participating in U.S.-led economic sanctions. He threatened to target oil-shipping routes if regional neighbors align with U.S. efforts to isolate Tehran.
Why it matters
This escalation signals a hardening of Iran's foreign policy and increases the risk of conflict in the Persian Gulf, potentially impacting global oil supply chains.
The new leader of Iran's top security body is threatening neighbours against joining new U.S. efforts to squeeze Tehran's economy.
Egypt is trying to revive Iran-U.S. negotiations. And Iraq and Iran say Tehran has helped some ships carrying Iraqi oil to transit the Strait of Hormuz. France and Saudi Arabia are expected to discuss plans to bypass the waterway.
Meanwhile, Israel has carried out strikes in Syria and in Gaza.
The hard-line new leader of Iran's Supreme National Security Council threatened Tehran's neighbours against joining the new U.S. effort to hurt Iran's economy, and accused the United States of increasing global nuclear insecurity with months of war.
“If (Trump) wants to do something, we will retaliate in a seismic manner,” he said in an interview with the state broadcaster that aired on Saturday (August 23, 2026).
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