Iran Warns of Forceful Response if Trump Takes New Aggressive Steps

Mohsen Rezaei, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, issued a stern warning to the United States and Gulf countries in a televised interview on August 26, 2020. He declared that Tehran would respond with force if then-President Donald Trump pursued further aggressive actions. Rezaei explicitly threatened neighboring states cooperating with Washington in economic measures against Iran, stating that "not a single drop of oil will leave the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz." This strait is a critical chokepoint through which about one-third of the world's oil supply passes, making it a significant leverage point for Iran against the West.

Rezaei's remarks come amid plans by the Trump administration to impose severe economic sanctions on Iran, with U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin recently emphasizing the goal to "collapse the regime." Alongside Rezaei, Mahdi Rahimi, head of Iran's parliamentary news agency, reinforced the threats, asserting that the U.S. has realized military action against Iran would not achieve its objectives. Rahimi warned that any country supporting the U.S. in its economic war against Iran would "pay the price."

These warnings highlight escalating tensions between Tehran and Gulf states such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain, which maintain close ties with Washington and may assist in enforcing sanctions. Meanwhile, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reportedly held a phone conversation with Pakistan's military chief, Asim Munir, discussing recent regional developments and strategies to strengthen peace, stability, and security in West Asia. This dialogue signals Iran's efforts to bolster its regional influence amid growing international pressure.