- Trump announced the 'most crushing economic operation ever' against Iran, targeting oil smuggling, financial transfers, and front companies.
- Trump called the campaign an 'Economic D-Day' and urged allies to isolate Iran.
- IRGC chief Ahmad Vahidi stated that Iran has built a 'solid defensive shield' and called for continued 'Strategy of Defensive and Offensive Empowerment'.
- Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi dismissed the US pressure campaign as 'bound to fail'.
- Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf stated that Iran will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz until the US agrees to a 14-point memorandum.
- Vahidi's remarks came amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States, following Trump's announcement of the economic operation.
- Vahidi praised Iran’s defense industry for developing the country’s 'defensive and offensive capabilities' despite sanctions.
IRGC chief Ahmad Vahidi emphasized Iran's 'solid defensive shield' against new forms of military aggression, asserting that the Strategy of Defensive and Offensive Empowerment is essential for national security. His comments coincide with President Trump's announcement of an unprecedented economic campaign against Iran, targeting critical sectors.3
Trump described the sanctions as the 'most crushing economic operation ever taken', aimed at dismantling Iran's oil smuggling networks and financial operations. He urged allies to join the U.S. in isolating Iran, dubbing the initiative 'Economic D-Day'.1
In response, Iranian officials criticized the sanctions, with Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi labeling them a failed strategy, stating, 'We have seen this movie before. Same bull. Different bullies.' Meanwhile, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf reiterated that Iran would not reopen the Strait of Hormuz until the U.S. agrees to lift sanctions and release frozen assets.
Vahidi's remarks reflect Iran's commitment to enhancing its military capabilities despite ongoing economic pressures, highlighting the tense geopolitical landscape as both nations prepare for potential escalations.6
“Vahidi's remarks came on Iran's National Defence Industry Day, where he praised the defense industry for developing 'defensive and offensive capabilities' despite 'oppressive and arrogant sanctions'. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Araghchi dismissed Trump's campaign as 'bound to fail', citing past failed sanctions efforts.”
India.com
