Iran’s newly appointed Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), Major General Mohsen Rezaei, issued a firm warning on Saturday that Tehran will retaliate against any country that participates in what it calls Washington’s “economic war” against the Islamic Republic. Speaking in a televised interview, Rezaei emphasized that nations cooperating with the United States to impose sanctions or economic restrictions on Iran would be considered hostile and targeted accordingly.

Rezaei outlined a phased approach to Iran’s response, beginning with diplomatic efforts to dissuade neighboring countries from supporting U.S. measures. “We will first negotiate with them and ask them not to do this; if they continue, we will target the interests of that country,” he said. He underscored Iran’s readiness to take decisive action, including threatening to prevent “even a single drop of oil” from passing through the strategic Strait of Hormuz and the broader Persian Gulf if hostile economic policies continued. Although the Strait was closed following joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iranian infrastructure in February, the SNSC secretary indicated that it remains under Tehran’s control, with the potential for continued disruption of global oil flow.

The statements come amid escalating tensions following U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of what he termed “Economic D-Day” against Iran. The White House signaled plans for a new set of sanctions aimed at further isolating Tehran economically, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent expected to unveil details of the campaign. The U.S. has also imposed a naval blockade and threatened secondary sanctions targeting countries that maintain commercial relationships with Iran, efforts Tehran condemns as violations of international law.

Iranian officials characterize the U.S. approach as a desperate attempt to cover failed military strategies. Rezaei referenced a military conflict that began with the February 28 strikes and culminated in an April ceasefire and a June memorandum of understanding, which Tehran claims the U.S. subsequently violated. He highlighted Iran’s development of indigenous military capabilities and asymmetric defense doctrines that inflicted setbacks on the U.S.-Israeli coalition. According to Rezaei, Iran’s experience has fundamentally shifted its defense and diplomatic posture to one of increased strength and assertiveness.

While Iran rejects war initiation, Rezaei affirmed its readiness to defend sovereignty and warned Washington against increasing its military presence in the region. He assured that Iran’s responses would be “precisely targeted” and signaled increased cooperation among veteran commanders newly appointed by the country’s Supreme Leader.

Diplomatic efforts remain stalled, with Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, describing the U.S. sanctions campaign as a familiar form of “bullying” and emphasizing Iran’s capacity to withstand such pressure. Meanwhile, Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson condemned secondary sanctions as extraterritorial and lacking legal foundation.

The ongoing blockage of the Strait of Hormuz—a vital artery for global oil shipments—has pressured international commodity markets and complicated regional economic dynamics. Tehran recently announced that Iraqi oil tankers received special permission to transit the strait amid the broader disruptions.

Egypt and other countries have called for a return to diplomacy to resolve the conflict, highlighting the regional concerns over economic and security fallout. The situation remains volatile as Iran signals readiness to escalate economic and potentially military measures if further sanctions and blockades by the U.S. and its allies proceed.