Iran warns of ‘devastating’ response as US prepares tougher sanctions

Iran has warned that its armed forces are prepared to deliver a severe response to any new threats, as tensions continue to rise

Iran has warned that its armed forces are prepared to deliver a severe response to any new threats, as tensions continue to rise between Tehran and the United States. Iranian military commander Abdollahi said the country’s forces would respond to hostile actions with what he described as “crushing” and “devastating” measures, according to Iranian media reports.

The warning comes as Iran faces the prospect of tougher economic restrictions from Washington. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently announced plans for what he described as the strongest sanctions ever imposed on Iran, with further details expected to be released soon.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf has meanwhile called on the country to strengthen its economic resilience and develop strategies to deal with what he described as unjust sanctions. Speaking during a meeting with Iranian and Iraqi business representatives in Baghdad, Ghalibaf stressed that economic development and national security were closely connected.

According to Ghalibaf, the United States and Israel had turned to economic and so-called “cognitive” warfare after allegedly concluding that they could not achieve their objectives through direct military confrontation with Iran and Iraq. He argued that Muslim countries needed to protect their economic resources and become less vulnerable to external pressure.

Ghalibaf also urged Iran and Iraq to expand their economic cooperation. He suggested that the neighbouring countries could increase the use of their national currencies in bilateral trade in an effort to reduce their dependence on the US dollar.

His comments came amid growing uncertainty over Washington’s next steps toward Tehran. Bessent’s announcement followed US President Donald Trump’s warning of possible “economic warfare” against countries that provide any form of support or economic lifeline to Iran.

Bessent indicated that the new economic measures could potentially reduce the likelihood of another major military escalation. He said that if Washington pursued a policy of maximum economic pressure, there might be less need for a large-scale resumption of military operations.

His remarks suggested that the US administration could seek to increase pressure on Tehran through financial and economic restrictions rather than immediately pursuing further military action. However, Iran’s latest warnings indicate that Tehran remains prepared to respond forcefully if it believes its security is threatened.

Ghalibaf, who is considered one of Iran’s most influential political figures and has played a prominent role in negotiations with Washington, also emphasised the importance of closer relations between Iran and Iraq. He said the two countries should transform their longstanding political and security cooperation into practical economic partnerships that could benefit their populations.

A day earlier, Ghalibaf said Iran and Iraq had resisted attempts by Western powers led by the United States to influence their political future. He urged both countries to use their strategic relationship as a foundation for greater economic cooperation, development and shared prosperity.

The latest statements reflect the growing pressure surrounding Iran as Washington prepares additional sanctions while Tehran continues to emphasise its military readiness and economic independence. The situation remains closely watched as both sides weigh the possibility of further confrontation against diplomatic and economic alternatives.

While the United States appears focused on intensifying financial pressure, Iranian officials continue to warn that any new security threats could trigger a forceful response. The competing strategies have added another layer of uncertainty to an already tense relationship between Tehran and Washington.