• Araghchi says Tehran has ‘seen this movie before’; Iranian military chief warns of a ‘devastating’ response to new threats
• China rejects sanctions, calls for diplomacy
• Pezeshkian sees good time to end war, with Iran being in a position of strength
DUBAI: US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the United States will impose “the toughest sanctions in history” on Iran, suggesting the move could reduce the need for new major military operations, as Tehran warned on Friday that any fresh US threats would draw a “devastating” response.
Bessent’s comments on Thursday followed President Donald Trump’s threat a day earlier of “Economic Warfare” and warning of economic consequences against any country that provided “any type of lifeline to Iran.” Bessent promised details next week. Oil prices rose to more than a three-week high on Thursday following those US threats of financial penalties.
“I’m not sure why oil has popped up on this,” Bessent told CNBC. “If we are doing the maximum economic pressure, then that means that likely there will not be a large-scale kinetic restart,” he said, using a term referring to military force.
“We are going to collapse this regime. It is time for our allies and the rest of the world to make a decision,” he said, describing a naval blockade reimposed on Iran in July and the “toughest sanctions in history” as a “one-two punch”.
However, when asked if the US could target China for doing business with Iran, Bessent said many conversations were best to have in private.
China calls for diplomacy
In response to Washington’s appeal to governments including Beijing to join efforts to isolate the Iranian economy, China said that US “sanctions and pressure” would not resolve the conflict.
About the US threats, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said “sanctions and pressure will not help resolve the issue”. He said, “China calls on all relevant parties to take responsible measures and resolve the problem through political and diplomatic means.”
Spokesman Lin reiterated the need for all parties to take “responsible measures” in resolving the war.
“China opposes illegal unilateral sanctions that have no basis in international law and are not authorised by the UN Security Council,” Lin said.
‘Devastating response’
Iran declared its response to any new US threats would be “devastating”.
“With preparedness across land, sea, air, air defence and cyberspace, Iran’s armed forces will respond to the enemy’s new threats with crushing, punishing and devastating responses,” said Chief of Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces, Major General Ali Abdollahi.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was defiant in a post on X that referenced previous US efforts to apply economic pressure to Iran and Trump’s comments at the start of the war. “14 years ago: ‘Most crippling sanctions in history.’ Failed. 8 years ago: ‘Maximum pressure.’ Failed. 5 months ago: ‘Unconditional surrender.’ Failed. Today: ‘Most crushing economic operation ever.’ Bound to fail. We have seen this movie before. Same bull. Different bullies,” he posted.
On the other hand, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said it was time to end the months-long Middle East war with the US as Tehran appeared to be in a stronger position than Washington.
“It is better that we bring the war to an end now as we are in a position of power and dignity,” Pezeshkian said in a meeting with doctors.
Published in Dawn, August 22nd, 2026
