Pakistan's army chief visited Tehran on a mediating mission on Monday (August 24) as Washington prepared what it calls "the greatest financial offensive ever" targeting Iran's trade partners.

Iran dismissed the U.S. threat, vowing to halt all Gulf oil exports "if the economic war continues." It warned ships not to pass the Strait of Hormuz without permission, listed 45 vessels it says violated its rules, and threatened retaliation for any ship‑to‑ship transfers with them.

Iran's economy chief Ali Madanizadeh called the looming measures another "failure," saying Tehran had anticipated them and has a two‑year plan. Acknowledging "inflation," "currency pressure" and "shortages," he added: "We know how to play this game," arguing the unipolar era is over and some major countries have rejected the plan.

The United States on Monday announced an expansion of secondary sanctions to "sever every economic lifeline" sustaining Iran. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent billed it as an "economic D‑Day" and an "onslaught," without naming targeted countries or timelines. Oil prices eased after two weeks of gains ahead of the move.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

TEHRAN, IRAN (AUGUST 24, 2026) (IRIB - No use Iran. No use BBC Persian. No use VOA Persian. No use Manoto. No use Iran International. No use Radio Farda. No use Israel) (MUTE)

1. PAKISTAN'S ARMY CHIEF, ASIM MUNIR, ENTERING ROOM

2. SECRETARY OF IRAN'S SUPREME NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL, MOHSEN REZAEI, GREETING MUNIR

3. VARIOUS OF MUNIR

4. VARIOUS OF MUNIR AND REZAEI SEATED WITH DELEGATIONS