US President Donald Trump has announced a major economic campaign against Iran, threatening severe consequences for countries that support Tehran. The announcement comes as the conflict approaches its sixth month without a clear diplomatic or military resolution.
The Strait of Hormuz also remains heavily restricted, disrupting shipping and adding pressure to the regional economy. Trump’s latest move could further intensify economic pressure on Iran and its international business partners.
Trump Threatens ‘Tremendous’ Economic Consequences
Trump announced the campaign in a post on Truth Social on Wednesday.
“Today, I am announcing the MOST CRUSHING ECONOMIC OPERATION EVER TAKEN AGAINST ANY COUNTRY! This will be Economic Warfare and Isolation on an unprecedented scale,” Trump wrote.
He warned countries against providing financial or commercial support 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,” he said.
Trump did not explain what specific penalties countries could face.
He also did not identify any country other than Iran in his announcement.
The US president called for an immediate halt to several activities connected with Iran.
These included “oil smuggling, swap lines, cash transfers, exchange houses, ship registries, front companies.”
US Plans Wider Economic Pressure on Iran
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had indicated last week that Washington planned to intensify its efforts.
He described economic isolation as part of a broader strategy against Iran.
“It will be a combination of economic isolation, like the world has never seen before,” Bessent told conservative television network Newsmax.
The US Treasury has also spent months targeting Iranian funding through a sanctions campaign known as Operation Economic Fury.
The latest announcement suggests Washington intends to expand that pressure beyond Iran itself.
Countries and businesses maintaining economic links with Tehran could therefore face greater scrutiny.
Iran Maintains Defiant Position
Iran has continued to reject pressure from Washington amid the ongoing conflict.
The war began on February 28 after US-Israeli attacks on Iran.
Tehran responded with missile and drone attacks against targets across the region.
The conflict has since placed significant pressure on regional security and international shipping.
US officials have faced questions about the cost of the conflict and its impact on military resources.
The Pentagon has rejected reports suggesting that US ammunition stockpiles have been severely depleted.
Meanwhile, Iran’s missile and drone attacks have significantly reduced shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Strait of Hormuz Remains Under Pressure
The Strait of Hormuz remains a crucial concern as the conflict continues.
A proposed US-Iran framework to reopen the strategic waterway eventually collapsed.
Trump nevertheless said US military efforts were helping ships pass through the strait.
“right now, a lot of boats are coming through,” he said earlier Wednesday.
According to reports, US forces have been helping between 15 and 20 ships travel through the waterway each night.
Those vessels reportedly represent roughly half of the oil shipment volume seen before the war.
The restricted traffic continues to raise concerns about energy supplies and global trade.
UAE Suspends Economic Dealings With Iran
The latest US announcement follows a major development involving Iran’s regional trade relations. The UAE announced on Tuesday that it was suspending economic dealings with Iran. The decision came after the UAE said it had been targeted by two ballistic missiles.
The neighbouring countries maintain longstanding cultural and economic connections. The UAE has also hosted a significant Iranian community and previously served as an important trading partner for Iran.
Trump has urged US allies to take a stronger position against Tehran.
“We need all of our Allies to stand with the United States of America to isolate, and defeat, the Iran threat,” Trump said.
With Washington now threatening wider economic consequences, international businesses and governments could face growing pressure over their dealings with Iran.
