Iran warns of harsh response to expected U.S. sanctions; Israel and Syria meet in Jordan

Iran warned Monday that expanded U.S. sanctions would not bring peace to the region, vowing a harsh response. The sanctions follow months of impasse over Tehran's control of the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil route. Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said Tehran's "hands are not tied" and any escalation would bring consequences. The new head of Iran's top security body called support for the sanctions an "act of war." Iran demands lifting the U.S. naval blockade, withdrawing U.S. forces, and war reparations. Iran's currency hit a record low ahead of the expected announcement. Sanctions have historically raised prices, but Iran's economy has adapted through new trading partners and domestic industries. Separately, Israeli and Syrian officials met in Jordan to defuse tensions after Israeli strikes in Syria.