Iran Threatens Gulf States Over US Military Bases Amid Rising US Sanctions Pressure

Iran has escalated its warnings to Gulf countries, specifically Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, demanding the removal of US military bases from their territories. Tehran cautioned that failure to comply could provoke a military response, according to a report by Channel 13. This threat comes as the United States intensifies pressure on Iran ahead of an expected announcement by President Donald Trump regarding new sanctions.

In Israel, officials are closely monitoring the situation with concern, fearing that Iran's threats could trigger a broader regional escalation in the Gulf, increasing the risk of conflict. Concurrently, Washington is ramping up its economic campaign against Tehran. US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin described the current phase as the "largest financial attack" against Iran, aiming to cut off the regime's funding sources and economic ties that sustain its operations.

Mnuchin emphasized that the Trump administration intends to use all available tools to increase pressure on Iran. He also claimed that President Trump has already significantly damaged Iran's military capabilities and nuclear infrastructure. Earlier, Trump stated that "Iran is collapsing completely." Reuters cited a source indicating that the US Treasury plans to expand sanctions to include entities and countries conducting business with Iran, broadening the scope of economic pressure.

Meanwhile, the Iranian Foreign Ministry announced that Oman's Foreign Minister will visit Tehran tomorrow to continue discussions on the Strait of Hormuz, a focal point of regional tensions.