Iran threatens oil exports — The secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, Mohsen Rezaei, has warned neighbouring countries that any support for the United States’ economic campaign against Iran could trigger severe retaliation, including a halt to oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. Rezaei’s statement, reported by Iran International and relayed to state media on Saturday (22 August 2026), comes just days after Donald Trump announced plans for what he called the most devastating economic operation ever launched against a country.
Rezaei declared that Iran would consider any neighbour assisting the US in its economic measures as an enemy. He threatened, “If Iran’s neighbours cooperate with the Americans in the economic war, not a single drop of oil will pass through the Strait of Hormuz, and we will also target other routes used for oil exports.” He added that while Iran does not seek to expand the conflict, it will strike at the interests of those who side with the US.
Trump’s Economic Pressure and Global Reactions
On Wednesday (19 August 2026), Trump used the social network Truth to announce his intention to isolate Iran on an unprecedented scale, warning that any country allowing its financial institutions, companies, airports, or government entities to support Iran would face “tremendous economic consequences.” This follows earlier moves, including a 25% tariff announced in January on any nation trading with Iran.
Despite years of sanctions, Iran continues to maintain a broad network of commercial partners due to its role as a major oil producer. According to the World Bank, Iran exported goods to 147 countries in 2022. China remains its top trading partner, with $22 billion in Iranian exports and $15 billion in imports that year. India is also significant, with $1.34 billion in trade in the first ten months of 2025, focusing on agricultural and pharmaceutical products. Other major partners include Germany, South Korea, and Japan—all US allies.
Brazil, while not among Iran’s top 20 trading partners, exported $2.9 billion worth of goods to Iran in 2025, mainly corn, soybeans, and sugar, and imported $84.5 million, primarily urea, pistachios, and dried grapes.
Iranian Officials Respond to US Threats
Mohammad Ghalibaf, president of Iran’s Parliament and chief negotiator, argued that Trump’s threats have prompted countries to seek new security and economic agreements with Iran. On X (formerly Twitter), Ghalibaf accused the US of endangering its allies’ security for the sake of Israel, claiming this has put their very existence at risk.
Rezaei also called for a shift in Iran’s diplomatic approach, citing repeated US violations of commitments during negotiations. He insisted, “Today’s Iran is not the Iran before the war.” The escalating rhetoric underscores the risk of further instability in the Gulf and potential disruptions to global oil supplies.