A senior Iranian official warned countries not to cooperate with the U.S. in imposing economic sanctions on Iran, or they would face a response he described as being on a “seismic” level.
Foreign news agencies reported that Mohsen Rezaei, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, threatened to retaliate against any country joining the U.S. in an "economic war" against Iran, while Egypt called for Tehran and Washington to “return to the diplomatic path” and end the nearly six-month-long conflict.
Rezaei’s warning on Saturday, 22 Aug 2026 GMT+7, came as the U.S. plans to announce new sanctions on Monday, 24 Aug, which could further pressure Tehran’s economy.
According to Iran’s IRIB television, Rezaei stated that Iran is urging all countries worldwide, including its neighbors, not to participate in the U.S.’s “economic war.”
“Any country involved in enforcing economic restrictions against us will be considered an enemy,” he said, warning of a retaliatory response that would cause a “seismic” impact.
“Of course, initially we will negotiate with them. We will talk and tell them to back off and distance themselves from the United States. But if they do not, we will strike, targeting that country’s interests.”
Previously, Donald Trump declared that his administration would carry out the harshest economic crackdown on Iran ever seen and promised significant economic consequences for any country providing “any form” of assistance to Iran.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reinforced this threat the next day, sending a message to U.S. allies: “You are either with us or against us,” while urging cooperation from China, which imports over 80% of Iran’s seaborne oil.
The latest developments come amid uncertainty over the Strait of Hormuz. Trump claimed the strait was open, but Iran, which has closed this vital waterway since the conflict began, insists it will not reopen until the U.S. meets its demands, with negotiations between the two sides stalled for months.
Meanwhile, Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a phone call to review the regional situation and ongoing efforts to “create an atmosphere conducive to reducing tensions.”
They also discussed a “return to the diplomatic path,” whether through the Oman-Iran negotiation framework or restoring enforcement of the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding, aiming ultimately to reach a comprehensive, sustainable agreement to end the war and establish security and stability in the region.
Follow international news:https://www.thairath.co.th/news/foreign
Source:aljazeera