US demands world halt Iranian oil imports by November 4

The United States warned on Tuesday that countries around the world must stop buying Iranian oil before November 4 or face a renewed round of American economic sanctions.

A senior State Department official warned foreign capitals "we're not granting waivers" and described tightening the noose on Tehran as "one of our top national security priorities".

President Donald Trump last month withdrew the US from the Iran nuclear deal. Sanctions on Iran's energy sector that were eased will kick back in after a grace period.

The official said US diplomats are visiting European and Asian countries to say they should completely eliminate their oil imports from Iran before the grace period expires on November 4.

The official also says the US is working with other Middle East countries to increase production so the global oil supply isn't harmed.

The official wasn't authorised to be identified by name and briefed reporters on condition of anonymity.

Trump has already vowed to reimpose even harsher sanctions than ever before on the Islamic Republic, with many international firms forced to shut up shop.

The Iranian rial went into freefall on Sunday, prompting mass protests in the streets of Tehran causing parliament to shut down.

President Rouhani said in televised remarks on Tuesday his country is in an "economic war" with the US, charging Washington with trying to damage the Iranian economy.

"The US cannot defeat our nation, our enemies are not able to get us to their knees," Rouhani said.