Trump Vows 'Most Crushing Economic Operation' Against Iran
US President Donald Trump has vowed to unleash what he calls the 'most crushing economic operation' yet against Iran, ratcheting up pressure on Tehran as efforts to end a war that has stretched beyond five months remain deadlocked.
In a post on Truth Social on Wednesday, Trump accused Iran of failing to seize an opportunity to reach a deal and warned that Tehran would now face 'economic warfare and isolation on an unprecedented scale.'
The threat marks another escalation in Washington's campaign to squeeze Iran's economy, with Trump warning that countries and businesses continuing to provide Tehran with financial or commercial lifelines would also face severe consequences.
'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 wrote, specifically targeting oil smuggling, cash transfers, exchange houses, ship registries and front companies.
Iran's economy has already been battered by years of US sanctions and efforts to choke off its oil revenues. Washington has since April pursued an intensified pressure campaign under the banner of Operation Economic Fury, targeting the networks that help Tehran move oil, access finance and sustain trade with the outside world.