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Iran warns of harsh response to growing US pressure

US warned countries to cut business ties with Iran or risk secondary sanctions

Last updated: August 25, 2026 | 06:43

Karishma H. Nandkeolyar, Assistant Online Editor

Iran Israel conflictUS-Israel-Iran war

A billboard on the facade of a building depicting the Strait of Hormuz with a caption in Persian reading "Forever in Irans Hand", at Vanak Square in Tehran on May 25, 2026.

AFP

The Middle East war enters another tense day after the US warned countries to cut business ties with Iran or risk secondary sanctions, although Washington stopped short of immediately imposing the threatened penalties. Iran warned of a “harsh” response to expanded US economic pressure, while China said further sanctions could escalate tensions. Meanwhile, Iran blacklisted 45 tankers for allegedly breaking its Strait of Hormuz transit rules, threatening fines, detention or cargo confiscation. In Gaza, Israeli strikes killed at least four Palestinians on Monday, including two children, according to hospital officials. Israeli and Syrian officials also held US-mediated talks in Jordan aimed at easing tensions.

06:43 AM, 25 August 2026

US vows 'economic asphyxiation' of Iran with new sanctions

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Monday laid out plans for the "economic asphyxiation" of Iran, expanding Washington's secondary sanctions threats and warning of dire consequences for countries that do not join the campaign.

06:09 AM, 25 August 2026

'Unknown projectile' hits oil tanker off Oman

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (MTO) reported (via advisory/warning, referenced as Warning 120-26 in related posts) that an oil tanker was struck by an unidentified/unknown projectile about 9 nautical miles northeast of Ash Shishah, Oman.

The impact damaged the engine room, disabling the vessel reportedly transiting the US-protected lane. The crew was reported safe; environmental impact was not immediately known.

This fits a pattern of multiple projectile strikes on commercial vessels (especially tankers) off Oman near the Strait of Hormuz / Musandam area throughout 2026 amid US-Iran hostilities. UKMTO has issued repeated warnings of such incidents.

06:05 AM, 25 August 2026