Iran threatens to block Hormuz if neighbours join US sanctions

On Saturday, Iranian officials issued warnings to neighboring countries against participating in United States-led economic sanctions. Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, stated that Tehran would consider nations supporting the U.S. economic campaign as enemies and would target their interests. The threats included the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz to countries that align with Washington’s efforts to isolate the Iranian economy.

The rhetoric marks an escalation in the ongoing tension between Tehran and Washington. The United States has been actively pressuring allies to join its campaign to restrict the Iranian economy, a move Iran characterizes as an economic war. The threat to block the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz serves as a geopolitical countermeasure intended to discourage regional cooperation with U.S. policy.