Iran vows to retaliate after US widens sanctions
Iran has vowed to retaliate against the United States following the announcement of expanded economic sanctions by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. While the U.S. aims to pressure Iran's oil trade, diplomatic efforts led by Pakistan are simultaneously underway to prevent further conflict escalation.
Why it matters
The escalation of sanctions and potential military responses threatens global oil supply chains and regional stability in the Middle East.
Before the announcement of expanded US economic sanctions, Iran threatened both a possible military response and further reduction in oil exports from the Gulf in response to any US economic measures.
People walk by a mural depicting Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on a street in Tehran, Iran, on Aug 13, 2026. (File photo: Reuters/Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency))
CAIRO: Iran promised to retaliate against expanded US economic sanctions that the Americans said would cut off Iran's economic lifeline, with Tehran expressing confidence that major trading partners would resist Washington's pressure campaign.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent unveiled the measures on Monday (Aug 24) but stopped short of the most punishing sanctions, saying countries that continued trading with Iran risked being forced out of the dollar-based financial system.
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