Iran calls U.S. sanctions support ‘act of war’ as its currency crumbles

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei warned that Tehran would harshly respond to expanded U.S. sanctions, including measures against countries seen as cooperating with Washington. The spokesperson stated, "Any escalation of this situation will undoubtedly bring about consequences. Our hands are not tied." The expanded sanctions are set to be announced Monday, following weeks of impasse in talks between the U.S. and Iran.

Iran demands the lifting of the U.S. naval blockade, withdrawal of U.S. forces from the region, and reparations for damages sustained in the ongoing war. Iran's economy has adapted to sanctions, but the latest developments have seen its currency hit a record low. Israeli and Syrian officials met in Jordan to defuse tensions after an Israeli airstrike on an air base in northern Syria.

Syrian officials demanded the withdrawal of Israeli forces from a buffer zone they occupy in southern Syria and reiterated their claim that the Golan Heights is Syrian territory. Meanwhile, Israel announced the death of a Hamas militant in an airstrike, and Israeli forces continue to target Palestinian militants affiliated with the Oct. 7, 2023, attack that sparked the ongoing conflict.