Iran has issued a warning to countries in the Gulf as Washington prepares to unveil tougher economic measures aimed at putting additional pressure on Tehran.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is expected to announce details of the new measures on Monday, with the administration signalling a major escalation in its campaign to restrict Iran’s access to international finance.
Bessent has described the planned measures as an “economic D-Day” for Iran, although Tehran has endured decades of sanctions and has repeatedly developed ways to withstand restrictions on its economy.
The latest pressure comes as divisions appear to be emerging within Iran’s leadership over how to respond to the continuing confrontation with the United States.
President Masoud Pezeshkian has acknowledged that Iran cannot remain at war indefinitely, while other senior officials have continued to reject calls for negotiations with Washington.
The Strait of Hormuz has also become a major point of tension, with Iran warning vessels and Gulf countries over compliance with its rules for navigating the strategic waterway.
Iran’s state-controlled Persian Gulf Strait Authority said vessels that violate its transit regulations could face measures including detention or confiscation.
The warning comes as diplomatic efforts continue to prevent further disruption to shipping through the strait, one of the world’s most important energy corridors.
Oman’s Foreign Minister is expected to travel to Iran on Tuesday for discussions that are likely to include the future of shipping through Hormuz and efforts to reduce tensions in the region.
For Gulf countries, the situation presents a difficult balancing act. Many maintain close security and economic ties with the United States while also having strong commercial and geographical links with Iran.
Any further restrictions on shipping or regional trade could therefore have consequences beyond Iran, potentially affecting energy supplies, transport costs and businesses across the Gulf.
The US pressure campaign also comes against the backdrop of uncertainty over whether diplomatic channels between Washington and Tehran can be revived.
While some Iranian officials have signalled that an eventual political solution may be necessary, others remain opposed to talks under what they regard as American pressure.
The coming days could therefore prove critical, with Washington preparing new economic measures, Oman seeking dialogue and Iran reinforcing its position over the Strait of Hormuz.
The developments are being closely watched across the Gulf, where any escalation involving Iran could quickly affect neighbouring countries and the wider regional economy.
