Motahari made the remark in relation to the US’ implicit threats to squeeze Iran’s oil exports following Washington’s withdrawal from the nuclear deal and its decision to reinstate sanctions against the Islamic Republic.
US officials have called on countries to cut all imports of Iranian oil when it reimposes sanctions on Tehran. The first batch on August 4 targets Iran's automotive sector and its trade in gold and other key metals, and the second batch to be imposed on November 6 will target Iran's energy sector, petroleum-related transactions, and transactions with the Central Bank of Iran.
State Department Director of Policy Planning Brian Hook told reporters on July 2 that the US aims to increase pressure on Iran by “reducing to zero its revenue on crude oil sales.”
Following the threat, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, while on a visit to Switzerland, said the US had no understanding of the actual meaning of the threat, adding that “it has no meaning for Iranian oil not to be exported while the region’s oil is exported.” Rouhani also maintained that any attempts to undermine Iran’s oil exports would result in consequences for the US.
The deputy parliament speaker further hailed President Rouhani’s response to US oil sanctions, adding “the Americans are not prepared for a new war in the Persian Gulf, therefore Mr. President’s words were a good threat that will result in a positive impact and act as a deterrent to any bans against Iran’s oil exports.”
MS