Iran's Foreign Ministry has responded to Donald Trump's warning of an "economic D-Day" against the country, labelling the threat "unlawful" and saying it amounts to "the other side of the coin of war and military aggression".
The US President posted on Truth Social that the US would begin "the most crushing economic operation ever taken against any country". He added that there would be economic consequences for any "country that allows its financial institutions, businesses, airports, or government entities to provide any type of lifeline to Iran".
Ministry warns of prosecution
In a statement published by Iranian state broadcaster IRIB, the ministry said those who implement the economic levies against the country "are liable to prosecution and punishment".
"Responsibility for the consequences and repercussions of this unlawful act will rest with the US government and the perpetrators of this policy," the message also read.
Strait of Hormuz tensions
Mr Trump's threat of an "economic D-Day" came after a period during which attempts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz collapsed. It also followed the president's suggestion that he could soon be "declaring the Hormuz Strait a territory of the United States". Posting on Truth Social, Mr Trump shared a map highlighting the strait with a caption reading "New U.S. Territory".
During a recent event in Long Island, the US President also claimed Iran had been "very badly defeated". But Major General Amir Hatami hit back at those comments and said: "Joking about such remarks is a major mistake, because this is Iran, and it has defenders who will break your legs."
Tehran's response
Iran's deputy foreign minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, also rebuked Mr Trump's claims and said Tehran would not be intimidated by the US and they would control when the Strait of Hormuz is opened or closed.
