Iran threatens retaliatory attack in response to new US sanctions
Iran has threatened to switch from defense to attack in response to a massive intensification of economic pressure from the United States. The country's Minister of Economy Ali Madanizadeh said that Tehran was prepared for new sanctions and has its own countermeasures.
The statement came after US President Donald Trump's administration announced a new campaign of economic isolation of Iran.
Madanizadeh told Iranian state television that the authorities are "fully prepared" for new American restrictions.
"Our defense is no longer so defensive. Let the enemies expect an attack," the minister said.
At the same time, he did not specify what form Iran's response could take and what targets it could affect. Therefore, for now it is a threat of a possible attack, not a declaration of a specific military operation. Tehran's intention to respond to the expanded American sanctions is also reported by NBC News.
US wants to cut off Iran's economic ties
On August 24, Washington launched Operation Economic Outcast, which the Trump administration calls an attempt to cut off all major external sources of income for Iran.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the intention to sever Iran's financial ties with the rest of the world and apply the principle of "zero leaks" to maximally limit Tehran's ability to receive funds abroad.
The new measures expand the risk of secondary sanctions in five main areas: digital assets, technology, gold, aviation, and maritime transport. US authorities also warned that companies and financial institutions that continue to assist Iran could lose access to the dollar financial system.
At the same time, the US imposed sanctions on approximately 60 individuals, companies, and vessels linked to Iran. However, Washington has not yet applied the harshest possible restrictions against major financial institutions of countries that continue trade with Tehran.
Tehran threatened response even before sanctions announcement
Even before the official announcement of the new package, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei warned that further escalation would have consequences, and "Iran's hands are not tied."
Iran also allowed the possibility of new measures capable of affecting oil exports from the Persian Gulf. This is a particularly sensitive issue for the world market due to the situation around the Strait of Hormuz—one of the most important oil transportation routes in the world.
Against this backdrop, the confrontation between Washington and Tehran is entering a new phase: the US is trying to increase economic pressure instead of exclusively military methods, while Iran is implying that it can respond not only with economic measures.
Based on materials from: NBC News, White House, CBS News
