Iran Threatens Hormuz Closure Over Trump Sanctions

Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, issued a stark warning to the United States and Gulf nations in a television interview, stating that Tehran will respond with force if President Donald Trump pursues additional aggressive measures. He specifically threatened neighboring countries that might assist Washington in its economic campaign against the Iranian regime.

"If Donald Trump takes new aggressive steps, we will respond with force," Rezaei declared. He added that if neighboring states cooperate with Americans in the economic war, Iran would strike their interests. "Not a single drop of oil will leave the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz," he said.

Rezaei's statement comes amid severe economic sanctions the Trump administration plans to impose on Tehran. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent made clear this week that Washington's goal is "to collapse the regime."

Mehdi Rahimi, head of the Iranian parliament's news agency, echoed the threats, claiming the United States has recognized that military force against Iran would not achieve its objectives. "The Americans have understood that the military path against Iran will not yield results," Rahimi said. "Whoever supports the United States in the economic war it is waging against Iran will pay the price."

Rahimi's remarks reflect escalating tensions between Tehran and Gulf states, several of which maintain close ties with Washington. Iranian threats are also aimed at countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain, which may assist the U.S. in enforcing economic sanctions.

Meanwhile, Iranian media reported that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi spoke by phone with Pakistan's army chief, General Asim Munir. According to the report, the two discussed "recent regional developments and effective strategies for strengthening peace, stability, and security in West Asia." The call indicates Iran's efforts to bolster its regional standing during this period of heightened pressure.