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TEHRAN: Iran has pledged to stand firm against US sanctions and what it described as US-Israeli “conspiracies”, as the wider Middle East conflict continues to create economic and security pressures.
In a statement carried by Iranian state media on Saturday, the government said it would pursue diplomacy and defence at the same time.
Iran described both approaches as essential to protecting its national interests, security and territorial integrity.
The government also said it would focus on reducing inflation, creating jobs and supporting domestic production. It plans to gradually reduce the country’s dependence on the US dollar.
The conflict has also raised concerns about US military supplies.
The Wall Street Journal reported on Friday that the extensive use of advanced weapons in operations against Iran has reduced US stockpiles.
The report said the shortage could affect Washington’s ability to respond to potential threats from China and Russia.
US military planners have reportedly adjusted some operational plans because of the pressure on resources.
Officials also assessed that the United States might not be able to fully carry out some contingency plans to defend Taiwan if a conflict begins in the near term.
The US has moved several air defence systems to the Middle East from Japan, South Korea and Germany. Officials said the moves have created gaps in the wider US military network.
The redistribution of weapons has also affected military supplies in Europe.
Some officials described European stocks of PAC-3 Patriot interceptors and ATACMS missiles as being at “beyond critical” levels.
The US has also moved THAAD missile interceptors and counter-drone systems to the Middle East.
The changes have reduced the ability of Western countries to provide additional air defence interceptors to Ukraine as Russian missile attacks continue.
However, the White House and Pentagon have rejected claims that the US faces a shortage of ammunition.
The Trump administration has said the US military has enough resources to meet the goals set by President Donald Trump.
The conflict has also disrupted international shipping.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) said Friday that up to 400 ships and around 6,000 seafarers remain unable to safely leave the Gulf.
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said some ships and crews have managed to leave, but hundreds remain stranded.
He described the situation around the Strait of Hormuz as unresolved.
The waterway is one of the world’s most important shipping routes. Around one-fifth of global oil trade passes through the Strait of Hormuz.
The IMO has verified at least 70 attacks on international shipping since the conflict began on February 28. The attacks have killed 19 seafarers, according to the agency.
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Dominguez warned that continued disruption could affect fuel and fertiliser supplies around the world.
He said the situation could have serious consequences for communities and economies that depend on stable supply chains.
Thousands of seafarers also remain exposed to increased risks and uncertainty while ships remain in affected areas.
Dominguez called on governments and the shipping industry to show renewed political commitment to restoring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
The latest developments come after the United States and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding in June and began negotiations on a wider agreement.
The talks later stalled because of disagreements over security guarantees and freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
Pakistan has also been working to help bring the two sides back to negotiations in Islamabad.
The continuing dispute has added pressure to an already fragile regional security situation, while uncertainty around the Gulf continues to affect shipping, energy supplies and wider international trade.
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