Tehran, Aug 24: Iran’s new top security official has warned that Tehran would regard any country’s support for fresh US economic measures against the Islamic Republic as an “act of war”, as tensions between Washington and Tehran remain high amid efforts to revive stalled negotiations.
Mohsen Rezaei, the newly appointed head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, issued the warning on Sunday. His remarks were subsequently carried by Iranian state media.
The warning comes ahead of an expected announcement by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Monday on new economic measures targeting Iran. Washington has threatened what it describes as an unprecedented campaign of economic pressure and isolation against Tehran.
Iran has remained under US sanctions for decades, with Washington repeatedly using economic restrictions as a major instrument of pressure on the Islamic Republic.
At the same time, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has defended a memorandum of understanding with the United States, describing it as the best available path to resolve the current deadlock.
The contrasting developments come as efforts continue to revive diplomatic contacts between the two countries. Pakistan’s army chief is also expected to travel to Iran on Monday as mediators seek to facilitate renewed talks.
The situation has also remained tense around the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway for global energy shipments. While attacks in the area have reportedly eased, tensions and military posturing have continued.
A newly established Iranian authority has listed dozens of vessels that it says could face restrictions on future transit through the strategic waterway.
The developments follow heightened tensions between Iran and the United States and continuing uncertainty over diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the conflict.
Iran has repeatedly warned against additional economic pressure, while the US has maintained that tougher sanctions are intended to increase pressure on Tehran.
The latest warning from Rezaei signals that Tehran could regard international participation in or support for new US economic measures as more than an economic dispute, potentially treating such support as hostile action.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts remain focused on preventing further escalation and bringing the two sides back to negotiations.
The situation is being closely watched across the Middle East, particularly because any prolonged confrontation involving Iran could affect shipping and energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz.
