Iran’s new security chief says neighbours who join US economic war will be considered enemies

Mohsen Rezaei, the new leader of Iran's supreme national security council, has warned neighbouring countries against joining the United States in an economic war against Iran. Rezaei stated that if these neighbours align with the US, Iran would target their oil shipping routes and consider them enemies, with their interests also targeted.

As the commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps during the 1980-88 Iraq war, Rezaei has been appointed to senior positions recently, reflecting a more aggressive stance for Tehran. He also claimed that Iran has not yet attacked American economic interests and would strike them if the US imposes economic sanctions.

The US president, Donald Trump, has intensified efforts to isolate Iran's economy, threatening "tremendous economic consequences" on any country that trades with Tehran. However, China has criticized the initiative, arguing that US sanctions will not resolve the conflict. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates has suspended all trade and financial transactions with Iran.

The US has also imposed economic sanctions and initiated Operation Economic Fury to cut off Iran's funding. Trump has repeatedly expressed the desire to declare the Strait of Hormuz as a US territory, with discussions on alternative routes being held during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Paris.