US and Iran trade warnings over sanctions and military threats

US War Secretary Pete Hegseth warned Iran against confronting the US military, while Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf dismissed Washington’s economic pressure and sanctions threats. Ghalibaf's remarks followed US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's announcement of "Operation Economic Outcast," a campaign targeting Iran's oil revenue and financial networks. Bessent said Iran faces a choice between global isolation and rejoining the economy, while Hegseth said kinetic strikes remain possible. Hegseth claimed US military action had weakened Iran's naval and missile capabilities, and that economic pressure could force Tehran to negotiate its nuclear program. Iranian officials acknowledged hardships but vowed to withstand the campaign.