Iran braces for retaliation as US sanctions loom, while tensions ripple globally

Iran warns of a devastating response to looming US sanctions as Washington pushes the toughest penalties, while China declines to back the move and calls for dialogue; the broader picture includes Iran’s economic strain from sanctions, hijab-enforcement crackdowns, a new law restricting speaking with foreign media, Lebanon’s shrinking economy, and regional tensions from Israel-Turkey to Oman talks, with oil prices rising amid the Strait of Hormuz and blockade pressures.