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2026 Iran War: 2026-08-23

Sunday, August 23, 2026 4 updates Last updated 05:05 UTC
05:05 UTC

Iran security chief warns neighbors joining US economic campaign will be treated as enemies

Mohsen Rezaei, the new head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, said in a state TV interview that neighbors who join Washington's economic pressure campaign would be considered enemies and that Tehran would target their interests, including oil shipping routes out of the Persian Gulf. He also said Iran would retaliate "in a seismic manner" if President Trump escalates further. The comments follow US vows of unprecedented economic isolation of Iran.
Los Angeles Times
05:05 UTC

Egypt and Iran foreign ministers discuss ways to revive US-Iran talks

Egypt's Foreign Ministry said Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty spoke with Iran's Abbas Araghchi about efforts to bring Tehran and Washington back to negotiations. The call also covered Iranian-Omani talks on Strait of Hormuz management. Araghchi separately confirmed a call with Pakistan's army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir.
Los Angeles Times / Egypt Foreign Ministry
05:05 UTC

US Treasury says new Iran sanctions aim to squash economy and collapse the regime

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNBC the United States wants allies to join a campaign to "squash" Iran's economy and said Washington intends to "collapse this regime." He framed the planned measures as the greatest coordinated economic isolation effort ever and said more details would be presented at a press conference on 24 August. Bessent argued economic pressure could reduce the need for a large-scale military restart of the conflict.
BBC
05:05 UTC

USS George Washington arrives in CENTCOM area of operations

Middle East Spectator reported that the aircraft carrier USS George Washington has arrived in the US Central Command area of operations and is expected to replace USS Abraham Lincoln. The Abraham Lincoln has faced reported resupply problems and crew mental-health strain during its deployment tied to the Iran conflict.
Middle East Spectator