Escalating tensions between US and Iran over economic sanctions and Strait of Hormuz

Tensions between the United States and Iran have reached a critical point as Washington prepares to implement a new, severe round of economic sanctions. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who is scheduled to announce further details on Monday, has framed these measures as an effort to cause the collapse of the Iranian regime. Amidst this, U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed that the Strait of Hormuz is now U.S. territory, with ongoing military blockades affecting global shipping routes.

Tehran has responded with strong rhetoric, labeling the U.S. actions as "economic terrorism." Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, warned that any nation participating in the U.S. economic campaign would be treated as an enemy. Iran has threatened to strike the interests of countries that do not distance themselves from the American sanctions, specifically mentioning potential targets in the oil and economic sectors. Meanwhile, China, a major importer of Iranian oil, has rejected the unilateral U.S. measures, calling for dialogue instead of pressure tactics. The situation remains volatile as both nations prepare for the formal implementation of the new sanctions early next week.