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Defense min.: Iran considers US sanctions part of ongoing war
Iran’s acting defense minister warned that efforts to put pressure on the country’s economy and the security of its people should be regarded as part of the ongoing war.
Brigadier General Seyyed Majid Ibn al-Reza made the remarks in a message published online on Tuesday, saying Iran considers economic stability, public welfare and security part of its “defense field.”
“Any pressure that targets the livelihoods and security of the people is part of the war,” Ibn al-Reza said.
He also warned that those seeking to widen the pressure campaign against Iran should expect Tehran to broaden its response as well, within the framework of national interests.
On Monday, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced new sanctions against Iran, claiming the measures target Iran’s financial networks worldwide and warned that no partner is beyond Washington’s reach.
The new measures expand secondary sanctions risks in areas such as digital assets, technology, gold, aviation and shipping, while sanctioning around 60 entities, individuals and vessels helping facilitate Iranian trade.
China, which is Iran’s largest trade partner, on Tuesday reacted to the sanctions, saying that it would safeguard its interests after Washington laid out plans for the “economic asphyxiation” of Iran.
“Cooperation between China and Iran has always been conducted within the framework of international law and should not be interfered with or disrupted,” foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian told a regular news briefing on Tuesday.
“China has already stated many times that it firmly opposes illegal unilateral sanctions... China will take all necessary measures to firmly safeguard its own rights and interests,” he added.