Iran Threatens Persian Gulf Oil Routes and US Economic Assets Over Sanctions

Regional warnings over economic measures

Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Mohsen Rezaei warned that Iran will treat any country participating in American economic restrictions as an enemy. Speaking on state broadcaster IRIB on 22 August 2026, Rezaei cautioned neighboring countries and international governments against assisting the economic campaign directed by the United States. He stated that Tehran will target the commercial and security interests of countries that fail to distance themselves from Washington.

We declare to all countries around us and all countries of the world: do not join the economic war led by the United States.

Targeting American commercial and oil interests

Rezaei indicated that Iranian military forces have previously confined operations to military installations, but stated that economic assets are now considered potential targets. He warned that American commercial entities operating near Iran could face direct strikes if economic pressure expands. Rezaei, who led the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps during the 1980–1988 war with Iraq and took office as security chief in August 2026, also addressed the United States leadership directly. He stated that any retaliatory move ordered by Donald Trump would result in a confrontation resembling an earthquake.

Until now, we have only targeted military bases, but if they want to impose economic sanctions on us, the United States has oil and economic companies around Iran and elsewhere, and we will hit them.

US pressure campaign and international responses

The warnings follow an announcement by Donald Trump outlining a renewed initiative to cut off Iran from international commerce, accompanied by threats of economic penalties for governments maintaining business ties with Tehran. United States Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent stated that new restrictions aim to cause the collapse of the Iranian government, prompting the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 20 August 2026 to accuse Washington of economic terrorism. The United States Treasury has maintained a sanctions campaign termed Operation Economic Fury for several months, and Bessent is scheduled to hold a press briefing on 24 August 2026 detailing further measures.

International reactions to the American measures remain divided across the region and globally. On 18 August 2026, the United Arab Emirates announced the suspension of all trade exchanges and financial transactions with Tehran until further notice. Conversely, the Chinese government rejected American appeals to join the economic embargo. Beijing officials stated that sanctions and pressure will not resolve the Middle East conflict, maintaining China's strategic economic relationship with Iran.

Blockades and shipping route disputes

The broader conflict began on 28 February 2026 with a joint Israeli and American military attack against Iranian targets. A ceasefire agreement finalized in June 2026 subsequently collapsed, leaving Iranian forces in operational control of the Strait of Hormuz. Prior to the outbreak of the war, the waterway accounted for one-fifth of the world's petroleum supply. Rezaei specified that Iran is prepared to attack alternative Persian Gulf transit routes that bypass the strait if neighboring states assist the sanctions effort.