Brigadier General Hossein Mohibi, spokesperson for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, argued that the economic and naval blockade imposed on Iran by the United States could cost Washington several times more than Tehran.
Mohibi said that an attempt by the United States to inflict $1 in economic damage on Iran could result in several dollars in costs and losses for Washington. He said Iran would not surrender in the face of sanctions and pressure.
Washington’s miscalculation over Iran
Mohibi claimed that US President Donald Trump believed he could force Iran to retreat through military power, naval forces and aircraft carriers. He said recent developments had shown that this calculation was wrong.
Mohibi said the United States carries a heavy debt burden and faces economic competition from China and other countries. He stated that it would be difficult for Washington to gain the upper hand in what it describes as an economic war against Iran.
Regional pressure and strategic reserves
Mohibi argued that developments in the region were putting pressure on US strategic reserves and affecting access to certain raw materials. He said disruptions to aluminum production and exports in the region had also played a role in this situation.
Mohibi said economic pressure and blockades could impose high costs on the countries applying them, adding that these tools alone could not guarantee victory.
Sanctions and tensions in the Strait of Hormuz
Iran says the conflict began with US and Israeli attacks on Iran in February. Iran also says tensions surrounding maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz increased after it carried out retaliatory attacks against US and Israeli targets.
Alongside its military operations, Washington increased economic pressure on Tehran. The United States imposed sanctions targeting Iran’s oil, maritime transport, aviation, technology and financial sectors, while Iranian officials describe the sanctions and restrictions on maritime trade as economic warfare and a blockade.
