Iran Vows 'Faster, Heavier' Response to Further Attacks Amid Economic Crisis

Iran's government has announced plans to tackle the economic issues caused by US sanctions that have crippled its economy. In a speech on Sunday, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that any attack against Iran's interests and security would receive a 'faster, heavier and more painful response.'

Qalibaf's comments come as the conflict between Iran and the US appears to be at a stalemate. A preliminary ceasefire accord reached in June has unraveled, and little progress has been made in diplomatic efforts to get the peace process back on track.

The US has been imposing economic pressure on Iran by blockading its oil exports and stopping sanctions evasion. Iran's Economy Minister Ali Madanizadeh rejected the notion that sanctions would cause it to change course, saying 'The responsibility of reforming Iran's economy is with its government and people, not with the U.S. Treasury.'

Iran has also imposed a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, which has created an issue for US President Donald Trump by pushing up fuel prices globally.