The Donald Trump administration is preparing unprecedented financial sanctions aimed at putting further pressure on Iran’s leadership, prompting Tehran to warn that any new U.S. threats would trigger a “crushing, punishing and devastating” response.
Iran Threatens ‘Devastating’ Retaliation
On Friday, Iranian military officials responded with threats of broad retaliation, Reuters reported
Major General Ali Abdollahi, chief of staff of Iran’s Armed Forces, said the country is prepared to respond across multiple domains.
“With preparedness across land, sea, air, air defense and cyberspace, Iran’s armed forces will respond to the enemy’s new threats with crushing, punishing and devastating responses,” Abdollahi said, according to Iranian media.
Iran still possesses missile and drone capabilities that could threaten regional targets and disrupt shipping through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
China, Oil Markets Face Fallout
The sanctions could also have consequences beyond Iran.
China purchases more than 80% of Iran’s shipped oil, according to Kpler data, making Beijing a key target of Washington’s pressure campaign. China’s embassy in Washington rejected sanctions as a solution, saying they would not resolve the issue and urging diplomacy instead.
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Oil prices rose Friday as markets assessed the possibility of tighter supplies and further disruptions around Hormuz.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf has acknowledged the economic strain, saying Iran cannot survive without financial activity, economic growth and domestic production.
The U.S. and Iran have previously announced ceasefire agreements aimed at restoring shipping through Hormuz, but navigation remains heavily disrupted.
US Plans Toughest Sanctions Yet Against Iran
The comments came after U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington will impose the “toughest sanctions in history” on Iran, with more details expected Monday.
Trump has also warned that countries providing Iran with “any type of lifeline” could face economic consequences as the administration seeks to isolate Tehran financially.
Bessent said the goal is to intensify economic pressure on Iran’s leadership, telling CNBC, “We are going to collapse this regime.”
The new measures come as the U.S.-Iran war approaches its six-month mark.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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