Iran Warns of Escalation Within 48 Hours Over US Sanctions

Iran warned Monday that confrontation with the US could escalate within 48 hours, rejecting new sanctions and threatening consequences for countries cooperating with Washington's campaign. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said Tehran had issued necessary warnings, stating "we certainly are not empty-handed." The response followed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's "economic D-Day" declaration, which Iranian officials dismissed as an admission of defeat. The standoff centers on the Strait of Hormuz, where US blockade has cut Iran's oil exports from two million barrels daily to 400,000. Pakistan mediates while Oman plans talks, as Iran demands sanctions lifted before reopening the waterway.