Iran threatens military response to US sanctions

Iran has vowed to launch a "devastating" military response if the United States imposes new sanctions, asserting its preparedness across various domains including land, sea, air, air defense, and cyberspace. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he would announce the details of the sanctions on Monday, following President Donald Trump's warning of economic consequences against any country aiding Iran.

Iran's Armed Forces chief, Major General Ali Abdollahi, emphasized the broad and decisive nature of Iran's retaliation. Despite Iran's economic strain and reduced conventional forces, the country retains enough missile and drone capability to disrupt oil tanker traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and target regional rivals. US officials have yet to achieve their initial war objectives, such as dismantling Iran's nuclear program and facilitating an Iranian-led regime change.

Iran's parliament speaker, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, acknowledged the economic difficulties stemming from the war but stressed that military power alone would not suffice to overcome the sanctions, as the country needs financial turnover, economic growth, and national production. The threat of tighter sanctions could have broader international implications, potentially affecting China, which imports over 80% of Iran's oil, and US allies in the Gulf region who face attacks on their energy infrastructure.