Iran will treat any country participating in economic sanctions led by the United States as an enemy, Supreme National Security Council secretary Mohsen Rezaei warned.
Speaking on Iranian state television on Saturday, Rezaei stated that Tehran will actively target the interests of foreign governments that provide assistance to Washington.
The Iranian official declared that any country taking part in implementing economic restrictions against Iran would be regarded as an enemy state by Tehran.
He issued a direct message to neighboring states in the Middle East and to governments across the globe, warning them against joining what he described as an economic war waged by the United States.
Rezaei made the comments shortly after Washington announced a new push to strengthen economic sanctions, aiming to escalate pressure on Tehran.
Sanctions and Security Policy
The Supreme National Security Council serves as Iran's top body for defense, intelligence, and foreign policy strategy. Chaired by the president and answering to the Supreme Leader, the council establishes military guidelines and oversees strategic responses to foreign threats.
Mohsen Rezaei has long been a central figure in Iranian defense policy. A former senior military officer, he commanded the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps for sixteen years during and after the Iran-Iraq War before taking on key political and advisory roles in Tehran.
Regional Shipping and Pressure
Iran shares land and maritime borders with multiple nations across the Middle East, including Gulf states adjacent to critical shipping channels such as the Strait of Hormuz. International trade and shipping routes in the region remain vital for global energy supplies.
The United States has imposed economic sanctions on Iran for decades, targeting banking networks, shipping lanes, and crude oil sales. Washington has frequently pressured third countries and international financial institutions to enforce compliance with its restrictive measures.
Rezaei's broadcast warning signals Tehran's intent to counter third-party adherence to American trade restrictions by treating international cooperation with Washington as a hostile action.
