Iran warns countries against joining in US sanctions
Iran has issued a stern warning to other nations, declaring that any country participating in US-led economic sanctions will be treated as an enemy. Iranian officials threatened to strike American economic interests if the US continues its campaign of economic pressure.
Why it matters
The escalation of rhetoric between Iran and the US, particularly regarding economic sanctions and potential military retaliation, poses a significant risk to regional stability and global oil markets.
Iran warned countries against participating in the United States' "economic war" against the Islamic republic, saying they would be considered enemies.
The United States has pushed its allies to join President Donald Trump's new campaign to isolate the Iranian economy, as his unpopular war drags toward the six-month mark.
"We declare to all countries; do not join the economic war waged by the United States," said Mohsen Rezai, the head of Iran's supreme national security council, on state television.
"Any country participating in the imposition of economic restrictions against us is considered an enemy," he added.
If the countries concerned refused to "distance themselves" from the United States, Iran would "harm" their interests, he added.
Mr Rezai also insisted that the Islamic republic had more cards to play in the war, claiming that "we have not yet attacked any American economic interests".
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