23rd August 2026 – (Tehran) Iran has issued a strong condemnation of the United States’ intention to introduce new sanctions, asserting that such measures could further destabilise the nation’s economy and affect its principal trading relationships, notably with China. The announcement comes as tensions remain unresolved following six months of conflict triggered by United States and Israeli airstrikes on 28th February. Although hostile exchanges have subsided, both parties show little indication of resuming diplomatic engagement or pursuing peace talks.
In the midst of these strained relations, oil transit through the Strait of Hormuz has slowed to a near standstill, with Iranian authorities threatening to take action against any unauthorised tankers attempting to pass through this strategically important maritime route. United States Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is scheduled to address the media on Monday at 2.00pm to provide further details on what have been described as “the toughest sanctions in history” for Iran, while urging international partners, particularly Beijing, to support Washington’s approach. China, which currently accounts for over eighty per cent of Iran’s oil exports, has maintained its call for diplomatic solutions.
Responding to the looming sanctions, Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, criticised Washington’s move as an unwarranted imposition on sovereign states and argued that such secondary sanctions lacked legitimacy under international law. Mohsen Rezaei, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, mirrored these sentiments by warning neighbouring countries not to align themselves with United States economic strategies, stating that those who do would be regarded by Tehran as adversaries.
While President Donald Trump reiterated that the United States was monitoring developments and pressed for further isolation of Iran unless it made substantial concessions, Iran’s leadership has continued to emphasise both resilience and a willingness to seek a diplomatic resolution. President Masoud Pezeshkian urged for the conflict to be brought to a close in a manner that preserves national dignity and strength, referring to the global reaction against the war’s impact on Iranian civilians and infrastructure as evidence of international disquiet with American actions.
The backdrop to these developments is the severely restricted movement in the Strait of Hormuz, where only a handful of cargo vessels have passed in recent days and oil output remains well below pre-conflict averages. Despite American pressure, certain Iraqi tankers have been permitted by Iran to transit the route following direct negotiations between Iraqi and Iranian officials.
Military inspections and public declarations by Iranian officials continue to underline the country’s remaining missile and drone capabilities, despite significant damage inflicted by United States attacks. Meanwhile, Iran’s parliamentary speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf has called for new regional frameworks that prioritise local cooperation over foreign intervention, arguing that an independent and indigenous regional order offers the best prospect for achieving peace and long-term stability.