---
title: "Iran Warns of Harsh Response to New US Sanctions"
url: https://www.herelexington.com/2026/08/25/iran-warns-harsh-response-us-sanctions/
date: 2026-08-25T12:16:22+00:00
modified: 2026-08-25T12:16:22+00:00
author: "Francis Robinson"
categories: ["News"]
site: "HERE Lexington"
attribution: "HERE Lexington"
---

# Iran Warns of Harsh Response to New US Sanctions

*Source: [HERE Lexington](https://www.herelexington.com/2026/08/25/iran-warns-harsh-response-us-sanctions/) — August 25, 2026 by Francis Robinson*

Iran has issued a warning of a harsh response to new US sanctions announced on Monday, stating that such measures would not contribute to regional peace. The US administration indicated that stronger sanctions, including secondary sanctions on countries continuing business with Iran, would be implemented. This development follows a period of heightened tensions, including a February 28 attack on Iran by the US and Israel.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, stated that any escalation would have consequences and that Iran’s options are not limited. The head of Iran’s top security body previously warned on Sunday that support for sanctions would be considered an act of war. These expanded sanctions come after weeks of diplomatic impasse, with the US unable to dislodge Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil trade.

Iran’s demands for reopening the Strait of Hormuz include the lifting of the US naval blockade, the withdrawal of US forces from the region, and reparations for war damages. Iran has also engaged in separate discussions with Oman regarding the joint management of the strait, irrespective of a new agreement with the US. Historically, sanctions have led to increased prices for basic goods in Iran, but the nation’s economy has adapted over decades by seeking new trading partners and developing domestic industries. Despite these adaptations, the country’s currency reached a record low against the US dollar on Monday, trading at 2.02 million rials to the dollar.

China, a significant buyer of Iranian oil, also voiced concerns on Monday, with its Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Lin Jian, stating that sanctions and additional pressure would not resolve the issue. China urged all parties to avoid actions that could intensify differences, conflicts, and disrupt global economic and financial stability. Before the US-Israeli war with Iran, China imported over 80% of Iranian oil.

In other regional news, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that Iran attempted to assassinate one of his sons, asserting that the attempt would have succeeded without security measures. No further details were provided by Netanyahu or his office regarding which son, the location, or the nature of the attempt. Separately, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani met with a high-level Israeli delegation in Jordan over the weekend. These US-mediated discussions aimed to de-escalate tensions following an Israeli strike on the Abu Duhur air base in northern Syria last week. Syrian officials affirmed their right to develop their army and form alliances, and called for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from a buffer zone in southern Syria and reiterated that the Golan Heights is Syrian territory.

In Gaza, Israeli strikes on Monday resulted in the deaths of at least four people, including two children. One incident in the Bureij refugee camp involved a strike on a building after an evacuation warning, leading to the death of a 4-year-old child whose family could not flee. The Israeli military stated it struck Hamas weapons storage facilities in mosques after issuing warnings. Israel also reported killing a militant affiliated with Hamas’ special forces unit in an overnight airstrike. These strikes occurred in the days following a meeting between US negotiator Jared Kushner and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to advance a ceasefire deal. Gaza’s health ministry, part of the Hamas-run government, reports at least 1,288 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire took effect last October.

Meanwhile, a Palestinian American, Loui Ridi, who traveled from Ohio to his home in Qusra in the occupied West Bank, reported being unable to move freely after his village was besieged by Israeli settlers. The Israeli military declared the area a closed zone, and settlers reportedly returned to the hill above his house throughout the week. Israeli soldiers encouraged occupants to leave, but no arrests have been announced by Israeli police. This situation has drawn condemnation from Israeli rights groups and foreign officials, including the US Ambassador to Israel, who described the violence as terrorism. Palestinians view the West Bank as central to any future state and have condemned Israeli expansion there, noting a significant increase in settler violence against Palestinians this year.

Finally, the Trump administration formally removed Syria from the US State Department’s blacklist of state sponsors of terrorism on Monday. This action makes permanent sanctions removals initially announced over a month ago, following a 45-day congressional review period. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the Treasury is fulfilling President Trump’s commitment to providing the Syrian people an opportunity for prosperity.