US President Donald Trump has announced a major new campaign to isolate Iran economically, warning countries and businesses that support Tehran of what he called “tremendous” economic consequences.
Trump made the announcement as the conflict with Iran approaches its sixth month, with no clear diplomatic or military resolution in sight.
“Today, I am announcing the MOST CRUSHING ECONOMIC OPERATION EVER TAKEN AGAINST ANY COUNTRY!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
“This will be Economic Warfare and Isolation on an unprecedented scale,” he added.
Trump also warned countries that provide support to Iran, including through financialTrump Announces ‘Crushing’ Economic Campaign Against Iran institutions, businesses, airports or government agencies.
“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,” he said.
The president did not specify what penalties the affected countries would face and did not name any country other than Iran.
The announcement comes almost a week after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington would impose economic isolation on Iran “like the world has never seen before”.
Strait of Hormuz remains key flashpoint
The latest pressure campaign comes amid continuing disruption around the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route.
Although missile strikes have recently eased, Iran has continued to restrict shipping through the strait after a US-Iran agreement to reopen the corridor collapsed.
Both sides have indicated in recent days that messages were being exchanged, raising hopes of renewed diplomatic contacts.
Trump, however, said talks were off and suggested the United States could take control of the strategic waterway, describing the strait in a social media post as a possible “NEW U.S. Territory”.
The escalating economic measures also come as Trump faces renewed domestic political scrutiny over the war, with November’s elections approaching.
