Iran threatens to block all Gulf oil exports over US sanctions
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
Iran's top security official Mohsen Rezaei threatened to block all oil exports from the Persian Gulf if Middle Eastern countries support US sanctions against Tehran. He warned that any country joining the US-led economic blockade would face retaliation. The threat follows President Donald Trump's announcement of the 'most crushing economic operation' against Iran.
Key Facts
- Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, said Iran would attack tankers not only in the Strait of Hormuz but also on alternative oil export routes from the Persian Gulf.
- Rezaei stated that if the US-led blockade continues, 'not a single drop of oil' will be exported from the Persian Gulf.
- Rezaei reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz is closed and will not reopen until the US changes its behavior and fulfills its obligations.
- US President Donald Trump announced the launch of the 'most crushing economic operation' against Iran on August 20.
- CNN reported that the US is shifting to a strategy of gradual economic strangulation of Iran instead of the previous course of military operation that began in late February 2026.
Iranian Threats
Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, warned that Iran would attack tankers not only in the Strait of Hormuz but also on alternative oil export routes from the Persian Gulf. He said any country participating in the US-led economic blockade would face retaliatory measures. Rezaei stated that if the US blockade continues, 'not a single drop of oil' will be exported from the Persian Gulf. He reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz is closed and will not reopen until the US changes its behavior and fulfills its obligations.
US Response
The threats came after US President Donald Trump announced the launch of the 'most crushing economic operation' against Iran. On August 20, Trump warned that any states providing assistance to Tehran would themselves face massive economic consequences. CNN reported that the US is shifting to a strategy of gradual economic strangulation of Iran instead of the previous course of military operation that began in late February 2026.
4 sources
Iran threatens to block all Gulf oil exports over US sanctions
