Iran Threatens Countermeasures as Middle East Tensions Escalate

Mohsen Rezaei, Iran's new head of Supreme National Security Council, has warned neighboring countries against cooperating with the US in its economic pressure campaign. He stated that if Washington escalates pressure, Tehran will respond forcefully.

Rezaei noted that countries supporting measures against Iran could be treated as enemies and have their interests targeted. He also mentioned that Iran could target alternative oil-shipping routes in the Persian Gulf if neighboring states join the US economic campaign.

The talks with Oman over the management of the Strait of Hormuz are continuing, according to Rezaei, who suggested introducing transit fees. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty spoke with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi about reviving negotiations between Iran and the US aimed at ending the ongoing conflict.