Tehran, Aug 22 (V7N)- Iran has warned neighboring countries that they could be considered enemies and face consequences if they join the United States’ campaign to pressure Tehran’s economy amid the ongoing conflict between the two countries.
Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, issued the warning in an interview with Iranian state broadcaster IRIB on Saturday.
Rezaei urged neighboring countries not to participate in what Tehran described as the US economic war against Iran.
“We are telling all neighboring countries not to participate in this economic war of the US. Otherwise, we will consider them as enemies,” he said.
His comments came after US President Donald Trump announced that Washington would launch what he described as the “most devastating economic campaign” against Iran.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also warned countries that they could face serious economic consequences if they provided assistance to Tehran.
Rezaei said Iran would initially seek to resolve tensions with neighboring countries through discussions and diplomatic efforts. Tehran would then attempt to persuade them to distance themselves from Washington, he said.
He added that if a country continued to support the United States, Iran would give it an opportunity to reconsider its position before taking further action.
“We do not want the war to spread,” Rezaei said, while outlining what he described as Iran’s three-stage strategy toward neighboring countries.
Strait of Hormuz remains key point of tension
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the major flashpoints in the conflict. The strategically important waterway is a crucial route for global energy shipments.
Iran’s actions in the strait have disrupted regional trade and contributed to higher prices for commodities including oil and fertilizer. Several Gulf countries have subsequently explored alternative routes for transporting goods and energy supplies.
Rezaei warned that if regional countries joined Washington’s economic campaign, Tehran could also target alternative routes used to export oil from the Persian Gulf.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry separately accused Washington of attempting to establish what it called “external sovereignty” over UN member states.
Meanwhile, negotiations aimed at ending the conflict between Iran and the United States remain stalled. Tehran and Washington have failed to reach a permanent agreement despite previous diplomatic efforts.
Rezaei also accused the United States of seeking to create divisions within Iran through economic pressure and provoking unrest against the Iranian government.
Reports have meanwhile suggested that Tehran could consider expanding its response beyond the Middle East if European countries continue supporting the US military campaign.
END/SMA/AJ
