Iran on Saturday warned countries against cooperating with the United States' campaign to isolate its economy, saying nations that participate in Washington's measures will be considered enemies.
Mohsen Rezaei, head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, issued the warning in remarks broadcast on Iranian state television.
"We declare to all countries... do not join the economic war waged by the United States," Rezaei said.
"Any country participating in the imposition of economic restrictions against us is considered an enemy," he added.
Rezaei also warned of a major escalation if US President Donald Trump takes military action.
Should Trump "take action, our confrontation will be like an earthquake," he said.
The Iranian official further declared that the Strait of Hormuz remains closed and would only reopen if Washington changes its conduct and fulfills its commitments.
“The Strait of Hormuz is closed and will not reopen," Rezaei declared. “If the United States changes its behavior and fulfills its commitments, the equation will be different, but this time the United States must act. It cannot be resolved through words and talks."
He also said Iran had reached an understanding with Oman regarding a “middle route" through the strategic waterway, although the two countries had yet to finalize a joint statement.
Rezaei's remarks followed Trump's announcement Wednesday of a sweeping economic campaign against Iran. In a Truth Social post, the president described the effort as "an economic D-Day" and warned that countries providing Tehran with economic assistance would face consequences.
"These maniacs are on the ropes, and these HISTORIC MEASURES will cripple them and their ability to project terror worldwide. IRAN WILL NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON," he wrote.
Trump emphasized Friday that his decision to focus on economic pressure does not rule out military action.
“No, not at all," the President replied to reporters when asked if the shift towards economic warfare means that the military options are limited. “It just means that we’re seeing what happens. They have no money, they have no navy, they have no air force, they have 350% inflation. So we’re just going to sort of see what happens."
“We have total control, as you know, of the border. We have total control, if you look at the blockade, we have total control of that entire region having to do with the Strait of Hormuz. And that means well into it, the land areas," Trump continued.
The president also said Iran wants an agreement with Washington but has yet to accept what he considers the appropriate terms.
He said Iran “would love to make a deal, but they are not ready to make the right deal, in my opinion."