Basij chief: US turns to economic war after failing to destroy Iran

The United States has turned to economic pressure in an attempt to achieve what it failed to accomplish through military aggression, Iran’s Basij chief says, as Washington steps up sanctions against Tehran and countries trading with it.

Speaking in the city of Qom, Hossein Taeb said the United States is seeking to disrupt Iran’s economy and halt production as part of a broader “hybrid war” against the Islamic Republic.

“The enemy, after failing in the military war and despite spending heavily, is now seeking to disrupt the economy, shut down businesses, and slow down or halt production in the country,” Taeb said.

He said the ultimate objective is to disrupt the entire economic cycle of production, trade and consumption in Iran.

“What the enemy previously pursued with missiles and bombs, it is now pursuing through security and economic tools,” Taeb said.

Taeb called on Iranians to remain active on the economic front, urging businesses, traders and producers to resist efforts to disrupt domestic markets.

“Every Iranian must stand as a soldier on the economic front and resist the enemy’s efforts to shut down the market,” he said.

He also criticized the United States for seeking to disrupt vital economic routes, including maritime and oil-related channels, following the ceasefire, but said Iran would rely on its domestic capabilities to counter such efforts.

Taeb also pointed to economic pressures facing the United States, saying Washington is being forced to draw heavily on its strategic reserves to prevent disruption in its domestic market.

He cited surveys that show growing public dissatisfaction in the United States over the economic consequences of its policy toward Iran. “The enemy is also suffering from internal pressure,” Taeb said.

The Basij chief said Washington is also seeking to create divisions and fuel dissatisfaction inside Iran, stressing that national unity remains a key obstacle to such efforts.

“Today, people have understood well that the United States is seeking the destruction of Iran, and this awareness is the greatest obstacle to their sinister plans,” he said.

Taeb also referred to recent remarks by US President Donald Trump regarding targeting Iran’s oil, describing them as a sign of Washington’s frustration after failing to achieve its objectives militarily.

He said Iran’s economic resilience will depend on public and private-sector participation, stressing that producers, traders and businesses can all play a role in confronting economic pressure.

“Every Iranian must be beside a launcher,” Taeb said, using the term as a metaphor for economic resistance. “A launcher is not only a military tool; today, production, the market and trade are also launchers for confronting the enemy.”

He said the Basij will focus on organizing networks among businesses and traders to maintain economic activity and prevent divisions within society.

Taeb also said foreign analysts have expressed surprise at Iran’s economic resilience and the public’s ability to withstand pressure through unity and a spirit of self-sacrifice.

The remarks came after the United States announced a new round of economic sanctions against Iran and countries trading with the Islamic Republic on August 24.

Tehran has repeatedly condemned Washington’s sanctions as economic coercion, saying the United States is attempting to use economic pressure to achieve political and strategic objectives that it failed to accomplish through military means.

Iranian officials have also warned that sanctions targeting the country’s oil sector, trade and financial channels could have wider consequences for global energy markets and international trade.

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