Iran warns of 'new capabilities' if US sanctions persist

Key facts

• Iran's deputy foreign minister warned of revealing 'new capabilities' if the U.S. continues to inflict harm.
• Tehran stated it would inflict reciprocal harm if attacked.
• Iran suggested the Strait of Hormuz is not its sole economic leverage against the U.S.
• New U.S. sanctions on Iran were announced.
• Iran's foreign minister dismissed the threat of new sanctions as a sign of desperation.

Iran has warned of revealing 'new capabilities' if the United States continues to impose sanctions, with a deputy foreign minister stating that Tehran would no longer deal with America in the same manner as before and would inflict reciprocal harm. The official, Kazem Gharibabadi, also indicated that the Strait of Hormuz is not Iran's only economic tool against Washington, suggesting the U.S. should not assume it is the sole party capable of causing economic damage.

These statements come as the U.S. announced new sanctions on Iran. Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, warned that any escalation would bring consequences, stating that Tehran's hands are not tied. The new head of Iran's top security body had previously warned that support for the sanctions would be considered an 'act of war.'

However, Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araqchi, dismissed the threat of new U.S. sanctions as a sign of desperation, stating that such measures would fail. He described the U.S. approach as 'repetitive scenarios' and urged Washington to engage in respectful dialogue for a solution.

Historically, sanctions have pressured Iran's economy, but Tehran has adapted by finding new trading partners and developing domestic industries. The country's currency hit a record low on Monday. The U.S. Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, has threatened to impose 'the toughest sanctions in history.'

Meanwhile, Pakistan's army chief, Asim Munir, was scheduled to visit Tehran to discuss regional developments, including the U.S. threat of new sanctions, as Pakistan has been mediating in the conflict.