Iran warns Gulf oil exports at risk if neighbors back US economic pressure

Mohsen Rezaei, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, warned neighboring countries against cooperating with the United States in what he called an “economic war,” cautioning that Tehran would treat them as enemies if they took part.

Rezaei said: “We tell all neighboring countries not to participate in the economic war alongside the United States; otherwise, we will consider you enemies.”

He added that Iran does not seek to expand the conflict, but warned that it would target the interests of surrounding countries if they cooperated with Washington in its economic campaign.

He said: “We do not seek to widen the war, but if the countries surrounding Iran cooperate with the Americans in the economic war, we will target their interests.”

Rezaei also issued a threat regarding oil exports from the Arabian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that if neighboring states join the US in its economic pressure, no oil would be allowed to pass through the Gulf or the Strait.

He said: “If the countries surrounding Iran join the Americans in the economic war, not a single drop of oil will leave the Arabian Gulf or the Strait of Hormuz.”

He added that Iran would also target other oil export routes from the Arabian Gulf.