US Launches Unprecedented Financial Offensive Against Iran

The US administration has announced the preparation of a major "financial offensive" targeting Iran's commercial partners. Tehran responded with stark warnings, threatening to completely block oil exports passing through the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz if economic pressure persists. The escalating standoff has significantly heightened tensions across global energy markets, Reuters reported.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent cautioned nations maintaining commercial ties with Iran of severe sanctions, emphasizing that Washington is preparing strict measures against those supporting the Iranian economy. In measures described as an "economic D-Day," Mohsen Rezaei, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, characterized the US actions as equivalent to a declaration of war. Rezaei stated that should economic aggression continue, all oil flows through the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz will be halted. Following military strikes by the US and Israel in late February, thousands of casualties have occurred, critical Iranian infrastructure has suffered heavy damage, and the country faces severe hyperinflation coupled with a sharply depreciated national currency.

Analysts caution that the deepening crisis could cause global fuel prices to spike and severely disrupt international shipping. In an effort to de-escalate the financial conflict, countries including Qatar, Pakistan, and Turkey are actively pursuing diplomatic mediation.