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Iran threatens to block Hormuz if neighbours join US sanctions

Tehran would target the interests of countries that help the United States in its economic pressure campaign against Iran, the secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, Mohsen Rezaei, stated on Saturday.

"We are telling all nearby countries not to join the US economic war, otherwise we will consider them as enemies," Rezaei said, speaking to state television.

He claimed that Trump had been persuaded by Netanyahu to wage an economic war on Iran, saying "The enemy is counting on division and disagreement," while Iran remained "unified."

He directed a particular warning at Gulf states, saying Tehran would retaliate if they join sanctions.

"If the countries surrounding Iran join the Americans in their economic war, not a drop of oil will leave the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, and we will also target other oil export routes from the Persian Gulf."

Iranian security chief also added that Trump's "recklessness" had increased global interest in acquiring nuclear weapons, particularly after it became clear that membership in the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty had failed to prevent US attacks.

"Trump has created nuclear insecurity instead of nuclear security," Rezaei said, adding that his country had accepted international safeguards and complied with IAEA inspections.

"Iran is the only country that is ahead of all other countries in its commitment to nuclear regulations."

"Iran today is not the same Iran as before the war," he said, arguing that perceptions of the US among Iranian youth had shifted, and the image of America as a "peace-loving" nation no longer held.

"The whole world has understood that Trump is a fool."