Tehran, Aug 23 (V7N)- Iran has sold around 70 million barrels of oil over the past one to two months despite US sanctions and a naval blockade, Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, has claimed.

Rezaei made the claim in an interview with the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) on Saturday.

He said Iran had continued exporting oil despite the US naval blockade and was currently selling oil in quantities comparable to its daily production.

“We have sold 70 million barrels of oil in the last one to two months,” Rezaei said, according to IRIB.

He also issued a warning to countries considering joining what Tehran describes as the US “economic war” against Iran.

Rezaei said Iran would initially engage with such countries diplomatically and urge them to distance themselves from Washington. However, he warned that Tehran could take military action against their interests if they refused.

“We will talk to them first... If they don't do that, we will attack,” he said.

Warning to US

Rezaei also warned Washington against deploying additional forces to the region.

He claimed that Iran had previously refrained from attacking US bases without provocation but said the situation had changed following what he described as Washington's declaration of an economic war against Tehran.

According to Rezaei, Iran could target several US oil and economic facilities. He further warned that American military bases could come under attack if Washington sends additional troops against Iran.

Iran rejects accusations of seeking war

The Iranian security official also accused the United States and Israel of deliberately fueling regional conflicts to increase weapons sales.

Rezaei rejected the suggestion that Tehran wants a wider war, saying Iran had previously participated in talks with the United States and accepted a ceasefire.

He said Iran would not surrender under pressure and would defend the country “with all our might.”

Strait of Hormuz remains closed

Rezaei also claimed that the Strait of Hormuz remains closed and said it would reopen only if the United States fulfills its commitments and responsibilities.

The strategically important waterway remains a major flashpoint in the confrontation between Iran and the United States. Disruption to shipping through the strait has raised concerns over global oil supplies and contributed to volatility in international energy markets.

END/SMA/AJ