Iran Warns Neighbours Against Joining United States Sanctions Campaign

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council head Mohsen Rezai warned on 22 August 2026 that any country joining new United States economic measures against Tehran would be regarded as an enemy. He threatened action against the interests of those states and against American oil and economic companies.

The statement follows intensified United States efforts to isolate Iran’s economy and recent remarks by President Donald Trump describing the Strait of Hormuz in territorial terms. Egypt has attempted to revive direct talks between Tehran and Washington.

Iraq and Iran reported that Tehran assisted some Iraqi oil shipments through the strait. France and Saudi Arabia are discussing alternative routes that would reduce reliance on the waterway.

The warning raises the risk of wider confrontation in a region already managing multiple active conflicts. Oil markets have registered the heightened language with price volatility.

No immediate military moves were announced. The practical test will be whether regional governments alter their commercial or diplomatic posture in response to the American campaign.