US President Donald Trump has announced what he described as the “most crushing economic operation” against Iran, warning that countries and entities that provide financial or other support to the Islamic Republic could face severe economic consequences.
Trump made the announcement on Wednesday as the war between the United States and Iran approaches its sixth month, with no immediate diplomatic or military resolution in sight.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the new campaign would target Iran’s economy through what he called unprecedented economic warfare and isolation.
“Today, I am announcing the MOST CRUSHING ECONOMIC OPERATION EVER TAKEN AGAINST ANY COUNTRY!”
He also warned countries that allow their financial institutions, businesses, airports or government agencies to provide assistance to Iran.
“ANY country that allows its financial institutions, businesses, airports, or government entities to provide any type of lifeline to Iran will itself face TREMENDOUS Economic Consequences,” Trump said.
The US president did not specify what penalties would be imposed on countries that violate the warning, and he did not identify any country other than Iran.
The announcement comes nearly a week after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington would impose economic isolation on Iran on a scale “like the world has never seen before.”
Strait of Hormuz Tensions
The intensified economic pressure comes amid continued tensions over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route.
Although missile strikes have recently slowed, Iran has continued to maintain an effective blockade on shipping through the strait after a framework agreement between the US and Iran to reopen the corridor collapsed.
The ongoing disruption has added to concerns over global trade and energy supplies.
Both Washington and Tehran have indicated in recent days that messages were being exchanged, suggesting possible communication between the two sides.
However, Trump said on Tuesday that talks were off and posted a message suggesting that the Strait of Hormuz could become a “NEW U.S. Territory.”
Trump is also facing renewed political scrutiny at home over the war as the November elections approach.
Source: AFP
