Iran Rejects Trump’s Economic Threats, Warns of Enhanced Military Capabilities

Iranian officials dismissed U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of a new economic campaign against Tehran as a distraction and a continuation of failed policies. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called Trump’s so-called "economic victory day" a diversion from America’s own financial crisis, highlighting unprecedented debt and rising interest expenses. He warned that intensifying these policies would only lead to further defeat and increased hostility from Iranians. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Qaribabadi echoed this sentiment, describing the U.S. move as a declaration of an impending economic war.

Alongside economic responses, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards spokesman Hossein Mohebbi issued a military warning, stating that Iran continues to develop and improve its weaponry, including enhancing missile precision and warhead capabilities. Mohebbi emphasized that if another war breaks out, Iran’s weapons would differ significantly from before, with improvements in accuracy, range, and other aspects. He affirmed that Iran has not ceased weapons production and development, progressing daily with all options open.

These Iranian reactions followed Trump’s declaration of launching "the most destructive economic operation ever taken against any country," aiming for unprecedented economic warfare and isolation of Iran. Trump claimed he had offered Iran the best opportunity for a deal, which Tehran failed to seize. He warned countries, financial institutions, businesses, and government entities worldwide against aiding Iran economically, threatening severe consequences for those who do. Trump outlined activities that must stop, including oil smuggling, cash transfers, money exchanges, ship registrations, and shell companies, calling for allies to unite with the U.S. to isolate and defeat the Iranian threat.

Trump reiterated that Iran’s military capabilities have been severely damaged and its economy is deteriorating. He reaffirmed that the U.S. will never allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons. Earlier, he indicated the possibility of imposing additional harsh sanctions on Iran, stating, "We have very tough sanctions, and we’ll see what happens."