Cairo/Washington: The United States and Iran have intensified their war of words ahead of a fresh round of US sanctions targeting Tehran and its trading partners, raising concerns over energy supplies and regional stability.US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is expected to announce new sanctions on Monday, describing the measures as part of what he called "the single greatest financial offensive ever marshalled against an adversary."Writing in the Financial Times, Bessent said the new measures would target countries and entities maintaining economic and financial ties with Iran, warning of consequences for those who continue to support Tehran's economy.The sanctions announcement comes six months into a conflict that has seen military strikes, economic disruption and heightened tensions across the Middle East.Iran responded by threatening economic retaliation.Mohsen Rezaei, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, warned that if what he described as an "economic war" continues, Iran could seek to halt oil exports across the Gulf."If the economic war continues, not a single drop of oil will be exported, neither through the Strait of Hormuz nor from anywhere in the Gulf," Rezaei said in a social media post.He added that Iran would consider support for US economic measures against Tehran as a hostile act.The latest exchange has increased concerns about the security of the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic shipping route through which a significant share of the world's oil trade passes.Despite the heated rhetoric, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has continued to call for a diplomatic resolution to the crisis.China, one of the largest consumers of Gulf oil and a key trading partner of Iran, urged diplomacy rather than additional sanctions.A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington said sanctions and pressure would not help resolve the dispute.Analysts said the effectiveness of the proposed sanctions remains uncertain, but warned that tougher economic measures could increase geopolitical risks and further affect global energy markets.Iran's economy was already under significant pressure from longstanding international sanctions before recent military hostilities, and officials have acknowledged that further economic restrictions could increase domestic challenges.Meanwhile, regional diplomatic efforts continue. Iran has announced a visit by Pakistan's Army Chief, General Asim Munir, to Tehran as part of ongoing efforts to reduce tensions and restore stability.The latest developments come as global markets closely monitor both the sanctions announcement and the potential impact on oil supplies and regional security.
