Iran's security chief Mohsen Rezaei warned that supporting new sanctions would be an 'act of war,' vowing retaliation if the U.S. takes further action. President Masoud Pezeshkian stated an interim deal was the best path forward, aiming to move past a 'neither war nor peace' situation.
The escalating rhetoric from Iran's security chief signals increased geopolitical tensions in the Persian Gulf, potentially impacting global oil supply routes and international relations. President Pezeshkian's comments highlight internal pressures to resolve the ongoing conflict and attract investment.
Iran's security chief, Mohsen Rezaei, issued a stern warning, stating that support for new sanctions would constitute an 'act of war' and promising a 'seismic' retaliation if the U.S. takes further action. Rezaei, who recently assumed leadership of the Supreme National Security Council, also threatened to target alternative oil-shipping routes from the Persian Gulf.
These remarks follow extensive public comments made by Rezaei, who is seen as hardening Tehran's political and military stance. He previously stated Iran would retaliate if President Trump initiated any action.
Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian described an interim agreement signed in mid-June as the most effective way to move beyond a state of 'neither war nor peace.' Pezeshkian emphasized that the agreement contained no provisions of capitulation and that the country would adhere to policies set by the Supreme Leader. He also noted that Iran has struggled to attract investment since the conflict began.
The 60-day period for talks aimed at ending the war and reaching an accord on Iran's nuclear program concluded last week without any signs of compromise or extension.
A multinational coalition overseen by the U.S. Navy reported no confirmed attacks in the Strait of Hormuz over the past 48 hours, although shipping traffic has remained at reduced levels. The U.S. military indicated that its blockade of Iranian ports had redirected 70 commercial ships and disabled three as of Sunday.