Tehran, Iran – Iran’s Foreign Ministry has issued a stark condemnation of the latest US economic sanctions, calling them a “declaration of war” on all nations, not just Iran. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei argued the sanctions represent “an attempt by the United States to exert extraterritorial sovereignty over all independent UN member states” . He warned that acquiescing to such pressure would result in “the total erosion of national sovereignty” and mark a “catastrophic return to blatant, full-scale colonialism” . Baghaei further stated that secondary sanctions have no basis in international law and violate the UN Charter’s principle of sovereign equality .
This diplomatic rhetoric comes amid heightened military and territorial tensions. US President Donald Trump escalated the conflict by claiming he views the strategic Strait of Hormuz as “an American territory right now” . Speaking at a campaign rally, Trump linked his claim to the US blockade against Iran and reiterated that Tehran “would love to make a deal, but they’re not ready to make the right deal in my opinion” . Iran has firmly rejected this assertion, with Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stating that Trump’s remarks “would be corrected either by circumstances or by Iran” . Officials have also indicated the strait will remain closed until the US meets Iranian demands, including lifting the blockade and easing oil sanctions .
Concurrent with the naval standoff, the Iranian military announced a significant shift in its strategic doctrine. Army spokesman Brigadier General Mohammad Akraminia stated that Iran is transitioning from a “defensive” to an “offensive” posture . He attributed this change to lessons learned from recent conflicts and cited plans to implement rapid, broader responses to attacks, including potential preemptive operations . In a notable escalation of rhetoric, Akraminia revealed a plan offering bounties for the killing or capture of US troops in the event of a ground incursion into Iran, with rewards up to $53,000 .
Diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation continue. The foreign ministers of Oman and Iran held a phone call to discuss returning to negotiations over a bilateral deal to govern passage through the Strait of Hormuz and restore freedom of navigation . This comes as Oman faces pressure from Washington, with President Trump recently threatening to bomb Oman if it “gets in the way” of US efforts .
Meanwhile, in a separate regional conflict, Israel has continued demolitions and air strikes in several areas of southern Lebanon, despite the so-called ceasefire agreement . Reports from the Lebanese National News Agency indicate Israel has used phosphorus shells in attacks across multiple towns, destroying homes and causing widespread damage .
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