Iran warns neighbours of 'seismic' retaliation if they join US economic pressure

Iran's new top security adviser has warned neighbouring countries against cooperating with fresh United States efforts to impose economic pressure on Tehran, saying Iran would respond with "seismic" retaliation.

Mohsen Rezaei, who was named this month as secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, made the remarks in an interview with the state broadcaster IRIB that aired on Saturday. It was his most extensive public statement since his appointment, which is widely seen as part of a hardening of Iran's political and military stance.

Rezaei said that if US President Donald Trump "wants to do something, we will retaliate in a seismic manner." He cautioned that Iran would target oil-shipping routes out of the Persian Gulf — alternatives to the Strait of Hormuz — if neighbours join what he described as an economic war against Iran. Those neighbours would be considered enemies, and "we will target their interests," he said.

His remarks come as Trump has vowed in the past week to increase pressure on Iran by imposing an "unprecedented" level of economic warfare and isolation. Iran has been under sanctions for years, and its economy has been severely affected by measures imposed by the United States and other nations.

The Strait of Hormuz is a vital waterway through which a significant portion of global oil supply passes, and any disruption could have wide-ranging effects on world energy markets. Rezaei said that discussions with Oman over the management of the strait were ongoing, and that fees would be imposed. Iran asserted control over the waterway, which is considered an international route, shortly after the United States and Israel attacked on February 28. Iraq and Iran have said that Tehran has helped some ships carrying Iraqi oil to transit the strait.

In parallel diplomatic efforts, Egypt's Foreign Ministry said its top diplomat, Badr Abdelatty, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi discussed efforts to bring Tehran and Washington back to the negotiating table to settle the war. Araghchi briefed Abdelatty on Iran's view of ongoing developments, the course of negotiations, and their challenges, the ministry said without elaborating. Araghchi also confirmed a call with Pakistan's army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir.

Separately, France and Saudi Arabia are expected to discuss plans to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, according to reports, a move that could further complicate oil shipping in the region.

Rezaei vowed to make changes to Iran's diplomacy and bring new capabilities to what he called the next war. He warned the United States against sending more military personnel to the region and said the US had increased nuclear insecurity because countries see that participating in international monitoring efforts, as Iran has done, is no protection against attack.

The developments occur against a backdrop of wider regional instability, including Israeli strikes in Syria and Gaza. The full implications of Rezaei's threats and the diplomatic overtures remain to be seen, but they underline the continuing tensions between Iran and the United States and their respective allies in the Middle East.