Iran threatens response as US expands sanctions, warns other nations

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson warned that Tehran would respond harshly to expanded US sanctions, including measures against countries it sees as cooperating with Washington.

 

“Any escalation of this situation will undoubtedly bring about consequences,” Esmail Baghaei said. “Our hands are not tied.” The new head of Iran’s top security body warned Sunday that Tehran will see any country’s support for the sanctions as an “act of war”.

 

Iran also said it had blacklisted 45 tankers that had broken its rules for crossing the Strait of Hormuz, and would take action against any vessels transferring loads with them, escalating its threats over the key waterway six months into the war. The named vessels could be fined, detained and have their cargoes confiscated, according to an X post late on Sunday from the Persian Gulf

 

Strait Authority, a new body set up by Iran to manage the strait. The expanded sanctions come after weeks of impasse. The US has not dislodged Iran’s grip on the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world's traded oil passed before the war started nearly six months ago.