Iran on Monday warned that it would respond harshly to any new US sanctions, saying further escalation would have consequences.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said Tehran's “hands are not tied” as Washington prepares to announce expanded sanctions, including measures against countries cooperating with the United States.

The warning came amid a prolonged standoff over the Strait of Hormuz, through which about one-fifth of the world's traded oil passed before the war began nearly six months ago.

Iran has demanded an end to the US naval blockade, withdrawal of US forces from the region and compensation for wartime damage in return for reopening the strategic waterway.

Meanwhile, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani met a senior Israeli delegation in Jordan in US-mediated talks aimed at easing tensions after Israel struck an air base in northern Syria last week.

The discussions focused on reviving negotiations for a future security agreement. Syria demanded the withdrawal of Israeli forces from a buffer zone in southern Syria and reiterated its claim over the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights.

Elsewhere, Palestinian American Loui Ridi said he remained unable to move freely in the West Bank village of Qusra after Israeli settlers besieged his home earlier this month.

Ridi said settlers continued gathering near his home, while he and relatives had to coordinate movements to obtain basic supplies. The incident has drawn condemnation from Israeli rights groups and foreign officials, including US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee.