Iran threatens oil assets and labels nations joining US economic sanctions as enemies
Tehran warns regional neighbours and international trade partners that complying with Washington's financial restrictions will trigger retaliation against their interests and American commercial oil assets across the region.
Iranian declaration on economic restrictions
The Iranian government announced on Saturday, 22 August 2026, that it will treat any nation participating in US-led economic restrictions as an enemy. Mohsen Rezaï, the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran, delivered the warning in a televised statement broadcast on state television. Rezaï addressed both regional neighbors and the broader international community, demanding that they refuse cooperation with the economic campaign organized by the United States. The announcement follows preparations by Washington for a broader package of financial and trade sanctions designed to isolate the Iranian economy.
We declare to all countries around us and all countries of the world: do not join the economic war waged by the United States.
Threat of retaliation against regional assets
Rezaï stated that foreign governments refusing to distance themselves from Washington would face direct harm to their national and economic interests. Outlining Tehran's posture nearly six months into the war, which began after an Israeli and American attack against Iran, Rezaï noted that Iranian operations had previously adhered to narrower targets. He stated that Tehran had exclusively targeted military bases and avoided civilian commercial operations, but warned that continuing economic sanctions would cause Iran to target American oil corporations and business holdings situated throughout the Middle East and elsewhere.
We have not yet attacked any American economic interest and until now we have only targeted military bases, but if they want to impose economic sanctions on us, the United States owns oil and economic companies around Iran and elsewhere, and we will hit them.
Rezaï issued a direct warning to United States President Donald Trump regarding any further military or economic initiatives directed against Iran.
If Donald Trump takes action against us, our confrontation will be like an earthquake.
Sanctions pressure and diplomatic friction
The statements follow days of intensifying verbal conflict between Washington and Tehran over the upcoming sanctions regime. On Thursday, 20 August 2026, the Iranian Foreign Ministry formally accused the United States of economic terrorism. That accusation came in response to remarks from US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who stated that Washington would cause the Iranian government to collapse through the introduction of new financial penalties. Bessent is scheduled to hold a formal press briefing on Monday, 24 August 2026, to detail how the United States plans to escalate economic pressure against Tehran.
- The United Arab Emirates suspends all trade and financial transactions with Iran.
- Iran accuses the US of economic terrorism following remarks by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
- Mohsen Rezaï warns that countries joining US economic sanctions will be treated as enemies.
- US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is scheduled to detail plans to expand sanctions pressure.
International divergence on US sanctions
The United States has actively sought international support to enforce the isolation of Iran, approaching major global economies and regional trading hubs with mixed results. The United Arab Emirates, which ranks among Iran's most significant commercial partners, moved to comply with the pressure on Tuesday, 18 August 2026, by announcing an indefinite suspension of all trade exchanges and financial transactions with Iran. In contrast, China, a strategic economic partner of Tehran, rejected Washington's appeals to participate in the blockade. Chinese officials criticized the initiative, stating that American sanctions and economic pressure would fail to resolve the Middle East conflict.
