Tehran/Washington: Iran has warned that it is prepared to respond to the latest US sanctions, escalating tensions between the two countries as Washington seeks to tighten economic pressure on Tehran.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a new package of sanctions targeting 60 individuals, organisations and vessels linked to Iran. He also warned that countries and companies continuing to conduct business with Tehran could eventually face restrictions that would affect their access to the US dollar-based financial system.
The measures stop short of immediately imposing the toughest penalties on major trading partners. Bessent said Washington would give affected countries and companies time to comply before any further action is taken.
Iran Says It Is Ready for US Pressure
Iranian Economy Minister Ali Madanizadeh responded to the announcement by saying Tehran was prepared for the new restrictions.
He argued that Iran had developed ways to deal with sanctions after years of economic pressure and suggested that the country’s response could extend beyond defensive measures.
Iranian officials have also warned that any attempt to threaten the country’s infrastructure could trigger a broader response against US interests and strategically important energy routes.
A spokesperson for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Brigadier General Hossein Mohebbi, reportedly warned that US vital interests and energy chokepoints could face attacks if Iranian infrastructure comes under threat.
China Remains Key to Sanctions Strategy
The role of China is emerging as one of the most sensitive aspects of Washington’s latest campaign. China has remained a major buyer of Iranian oil, despite extensive US sanctions against Tehran.
Notably, Monday’s new sanctions did not include Chinese financial institutions that have been suspected of facilitating Iranian oil transactions.
Bessent said Washington wanted to make clear that no entity was beyond the reach of American sanctions, but he also indicated that the administration was not seeking to destabilise the international financial system.
The Chinese government has rejected the use of unilateral sanctions and pressure tactics, saying Beijing would take steps necessary to protect its interests.
The issue could become particularly important ahead of expected talks between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, as Washington weighs further action against Iran while attempting to manage its broader relationship with Beijing.
Oil Markets Watch Middle East Risks
The latest sanctions announcement comes as the US administration attempts to increase pressure on Iran amid continuing tensions around regional energy supplies.
Iran retains the ability to threaten shipping routes and energy infrastructure in the Gulf, including the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. Any disruption in the region could have consequences for global oil markets.
Despite concerns about potential supply disruptions, oil prices fell by more than $2 a barrel following Monday’s announcement. Investors, however, remain alert to the possibility of further volatility if tensions escalate.
The US has also been seeking to curb attacks on commercial shipping in the Gulf and Red Sea, adding another dimension to the confrontation.
Pakistan Attempts Diplomatic Intervention
Amid the escalating rhetoric, Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir travelled to Tehran and met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
The visit was seen as part of Islamabad’s efforts to encourage dialogue between Iran and the United States. It followed a conversation between Munir and Trump and came after Pakistan had previously played a role in efforts to mediate between the two countries.
Pezeshkian reportedly told the Pakistani military chief that Washington needed to change its approach towards Tehran, arguing that pressure and coercion would make negotiations more difficult.
Earlier Pakistani mediation efforts had contributed to an interim agreement in June, although the arrangement subsequently lost momentum.
Diplomatic Breakthrough Remains Uncertain
The latest developments come after months of conflict and growing economic pressure on Iran. While military operations have reportedly damaged parts of Iran’s conventional capabilities, Tehran continues to possess missile and drone systems capable of threatening regional targets and shipping routes.
The status of Iran’s nuclear programme also remains a major source of uncertainty for the international community.
With Washington increasing economic pressure and Tehran warning of retaliation, the possibility of further escalation remains high. At the same time, diplomatic efforts involving countries such as Pakistan could provide an alternative route towards reducing tensions.
For now, the US sanctions campaign, Iran’s warnings and China’s opposition to unilateral economic pressure have created a complicated diplomatic situation, with global energy markets closely monitoring what happens next.
