Iran vows response to expanded US sanctions as Pakistan reports progress in talks
Iran said it was prepared to respond to expanded US sanctions, while Pakistan reported significant progress in talks with Tehran.
Tehran, Iran. Iran vowed to respond to expanded US sanctions, saying it was prepared for what its economy minister described as an “economic terrorist attack.”
The measures were announced as Pakistan said it had made significant progress in talks with Tehran on preventing further escalation and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
US sanctions
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent unveiled the measures on Monday, saying they would cut Iran’s economic lifeline. He said countries continuing to trade with Iran risked being excluded from the dollar-based financial system.
Bessent did not identify the countries that could be targeted or say when penalties would take effect, stating that they would be given time to comply with the directive.
The Treasury Department announced sanctions against 60 individuals, entities and vessels. The list did not include Chinese financial institutions suspected of facilitating Iran’s oil trade.
Iranian response
Before the sanctions were announced, Iran had threatened a possible military response and further reductions in oil exports from the Gulf in retaliation for US economic measures.
Iranian Economy Minister Ali Madanizadeh said after the announcement that Iran was fully prepared for the sanctions.
“Naturally, the enemies intend to launch an economic terrorist attack on us, but we also have our own tools and know how to play the game,” he told state television. “Our defense is no longer so defensive; the enemies should wait for an attack.”
Pakistan talks
Iran and the United States signed an interim agreement in June aimed at ending the war that began with US and Israeli attacks on Iran. The Islamabad memorandum quickly faltered.
Pakistan, which is mediating, said its latest talks with Tehran focused on preventing further escalation and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
“The Iranian president candidly shared his government’s perspective and we had a very constructive exchange on the issues involved,” Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who accompanied army chief Asim Munir to Tehran, said on X.
The White House and State Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment made outside business hours. Iran had not commented on the latest talks with Pakistan.
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