President Donald Trump said Wednesday night that he is launching what he described as the “most crushing economic operation ever” against Iran, escalating U.S. pressure on Tehran and warning other countries not to help keep its economy connected to global trade.
The remarks, posted on Truth Social and reported by Dave DeCamp at Antiwar.com, framed the move as “Economic Warfare and Isolation on an unprecedented scale.” Trump argued that Iran had been given a chance to make a deal but had failed to take it.
Trump Warns Other Countries Could Be Targeted
Trump also threatened economic consequences for any country that permits its banks, businesses, airports or government entities to provide what he called a “lifeline” to Iran.
He listed oil smuggling, swap lines, cash transfers, exchange houses, ship registries and front companies as activities that must stop. “This will be an ECONOMIC D-DAY,” Trump wrote.
The specific sanctions or enforcement measures were not detailed in the source report. Antiwar.com noted that targeting countries doing business with Iran could potentially involve China, which maintains economic ties with Tehran and has the capacity to respond with countermeasures against the United States.
UAE Trade Cutoff Adds to Regional Tensions
Trump’s announcement came one day after the United Arab Emirates said it was cutting off all trade with Iran, citing an alleged missile attack, according to the Antiwar.com report.
Iran rejected the allegation that it had launched missiles at the UAE and suggested the incident may have been a “false flag.” The source report did not provide independent verification of either claim.
Iran Signals Sanctions May Not Shift Its Position
According to the report, the Trump administration has returned its focus to economic pressure after failing to force Iran to capitulate during the previous round of strikes. The source also references a U.S. military blockade on Iranian ports.
Iranian officials have denied that additional economic sanctions would change their negotiating position. Officials in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps have also suggested Iran may take offensive action if the U.S. attempts to make current conditions a lasting status quo, according to Antiwar.com.
The practical impact of Trump’s threat remains unclear until the administration releases details on what new sanctions, penalties or enforcement mechanisms it intends to use.
