Iran and US: Will Iran Escalate the War Again?

On 20 August 2026, as the Iran war neared its sixth month, tensions between Iran and the US deepened over new US sanctions. Iran condemned the sanctions as 'economic terrorism' and threatened a military response. President Trump announced what he called an 'Economic D-Day', and Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi said it was a diversion from America's own economic problems and would bring the US further defeat.

Iran also worked on its ties with Iraq. Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf discussed in Baghdad a plan on the weapons of armed factions, while Iraq's national charter bans groups that threaten neighbours and Iraq's security adviser said Iraq remains committed to its security agreement with Iran. Mojtaba Khamenei was reported to be turning to the 'old guard' for a long confrontation with Washington.