Iran's military leadership has pledged a forceful response to anticipated US economic sanctions, as Washington prepares to impose what it describes as the harshest financial penalties in history aimed at destabilizing the Iranian government.
The Iranian Armed Forces' chief of staff, Major General Ali Abdollahi, declared on Friday that Tehran would deliver a "crushing, punishing and devastating" response to fresh American threats. This statement followed US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's announcement that detailed sanctions would be unveiled Monday, with President Donald Trump warning of financial consequences for any nation providing support to Iran.
Bessent stated the administration aims to "collapse this regime" through economic measures, while also pressuring major trading partners. The Treasury secretary specifically referenced China, which purchases over 80 percent of Iran's shipped oil according to 2025 data, suggesting Beijing should "get with the program." China's embassy responded by rejecting sanctions as counterproductive and calling for diplomatic solutions.
While Iran's military maintains significant missile and drone capabilities that could disrupt oil shipments through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf acknowledged serious economic vulnerabilities. He warned that despite military strength, Iran cannot sustain itself without financial stability, economic growth, and adequate food supplies for its population. Iran currently faces high inflation, currency weakness, and energy shortages after nearly five decades of sanctions since its 1979 revolution.
The threat of tighter sanctions sent international oil prices higher on Friday. However, escalating US economic pressure on China risks broader geopolitical consequences and potential retaliation from Beijing. US military officials have meanwhile convened NATO allies to discuss protecting freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, signaling concern about potential Iranian disruptions to global maritime commerce.
