Iran's newly appointed national security chief, Mohsen Rezaei, had a blunt message for Gulf neighbors on Saturday: join Washington's economic pressure campaign, and you'll be treated as an enemy. Speaking on state broadcaster IRIB, the former Revolutionary Guard commander warned that Tehran would target the interests of any country that participates in what he called an "economic war."
Iran's New Security Chief Warns Gulf Neighbors: Join Trump's Economic War, Become an 'Enemy'
MarketDash
Iran's security chief warned Gulf neighbors against joining U.S. economic pressure, threatening attacks on their regional interests.
Get Market Alerts
Weekly insights + SMS alerts
Rezaei Raises Stakes for Gulf Energy Trade
According to the report, Rezaei said neighbors joining the "economic war" would be "considered an enemy" and "we will target their interests." He also noted that Iran has so far limited itself to striking military bases, but hinted that could change if the U.S. imposes further economic sanctions.
Rezaei, a key adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, led Iran's Revolutionary Guards during the Iran-Iraq War. He later held several senior government positions and ran unsuccessfully for president multiple times. This month, he replaced Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr as secretary of the security council.
This isn't the first time the newly appointed chief has spoken at length. Last week, via an X post, he said the "message is clear" from Iran that the Strait of Hormuz will reopen when the "U.S. ends the war and blockade," as well as "releases Iran's frozen assets," and agrees to a "region-wide ceasefire, in Lebanon and Gaza."
Trump Pushes Economic Isolation Campaign
Rezaei's remarks come on the heels of President Donald Trump's latest push to isolate Iran's economy. Trump says the move will have tremendous economic consequences for countries that do business with Tehran. He has also repeatedly called the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil shipments, "new U.S. territory," although that claim has no legal standing.
The latest warnings deepen the already longstanding uncertainty in the Gulf region, with no signs of improvement. The strait remains a critical bottleneck for roughly a fifth of global oil supply, keeping crude markets on edge.
The situation has now escalated further. The UAE has already suspended trade with Iran, while France and Saudi Arabia are set to discuss pipeline and rail alternatives to bypass the strait.
More News
Navellier Warns: This Could Leapfrog Elon’s SpaceX IPO
Tomorrow, Wall Street goes home for two days
Here’s the stock symbol I’ve promised
Elon’s ‘iPhone’ Could 10x Apple’s iPhone
Your $29.97 Book Is Free Today
Buy this stock tomorrow
Your Free 7-Point Pre-Trade Checklist
Is Trump Planning a New Independence Day?
Get Market News Alerts
Real-time alerts on price moves, news, and trading opportunities.
Join 20,000+ investors. No spam, ever.
Featured Articles
View all news
Democrats Blast Trump's 50% Canada Tariffs: 'Trade Wars Are Bleeding the American People Dry'
By MarketDash
August 23, 2026
Ticker Revealed: Pre-IPO Access to "Next Elon Musk" Company (Ad)
By Banyan Hill
Rick Scott Says $3 Billion Daily Interest on National Debt Is 'Unsustainable,' Pushes for Balanced Budget
By MarketDash
August 23, 2026
Warren Says GOP Health Care Cuts Are a 'Yacht' for Billionaires While 15 Million Lose Coverage
By MarketDash
August 23, 2026
Trump's 50% Canada Tariffs, 750+ Troops Wounded in Iran, and More: This Week in Politics
By MarketDash
August 23, 2026
The Free Guide Every New Options Trader Needs (Ad)
By Base Camp Trading
NAACP Slams Reported Plan to Rename Doris Miller Aircraft Carrier After Trump: ‘Slap in the Face’
By MarketDash
August 23, 2026
USPS's New Mail-In Voting Rules Are Here, But Courts Have Other Plans
By MarketDash
August 23, 2026