US, Iran keep up hostile rhetoric ahead of new sanctions
Summary
The United States and Iran have traded defiant warnings ahead of new US sanctions expected on Monday, while oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz remain severely disrupted. Tehran and Washington continue to reject peace talks as the war drags on and Iran’s economy comes under growing strain.
Key Points
- The US and Iran exchanged hostile rhetoric ahead of a scheduled announcement of new US economic sanctions on Monday.
- Oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz have nearly stalled, with only limited traffic passing through the waterway.
- US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is set to unveil what Washington calls the toughest sanctions in history, while urging China to cooperate.
- Iranian officials, including Esmaeil Baghaei, Ali Abdollahi, Masoud Pezeshkian and Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, defended Iran’s position and warned of military and economic consequences.
