Iran has issued a dramatic new warning that American economic interests across the Middle East could become targets if Washington intensifies its sanctions campaign against Tehran. Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said Iran has so far limited its attacks to U.S. military positions and has not targeted American economic interests. But he warned that this could change if the United States proceeds with what Tehran describes as an economic war.

Rezaei specifically threatened American oil and economic companies operating in the region, raising the possibility of a significant expansion of the conflict beyond military facilities. His warning came as President Donald Trump’s administration pushes allies and trading partners to participate in a campaign aimed at isolating Iran economically. Rezaei also warned countries that participate in U.S. economic restrictions that Tehran could consider them enemies and move against their interests.

The threat arrives at an especially sensitive moment for the region’s energy infrastructure. Iran has already used pressure around the Strait of Hormuz as a major source of leverage during the conflict, while Washington is seeking to restrict Tehran’s ability to export oil and sustain its economy. Any Iranian attack on American energy companies, facilities or related commercial interests could therefore create another dangerous front, potentially affecting regional energy markets and international shipping.

Iran’s warning also puts pressure on countries that maintain close economic relationships with both Washington and Tehran. Rezaei has specifically urged neighboring states not to participate in the U.S. economic campaign, while threatening consequences for governments that cooperate with American sanctions. The message creates a difficult choice for regional economies that depend on access to U.S. financial markets while also maintaining trade and energy relationships in the Middle East.

The most serious question now is whether Tehran will follow through on its threat if Washington moves ahead with broader economic measures. Until now, Iran says it has focused its attacks on military targets, but its latest warning suggests that American commercial and energy interests could become part of the battlefield if the economic pressure intensifies. With the United States pushing for unprecedented economic isolation of Iran and Tehran threatening retaliation, the confrontation could be entering a far more unpredictable phase.