President Donald Trump has unveiled a new campaign aimed at isolating Iran’s economy, warning of “tremendous economic consequences” for any country that trades with or otherwise assists Tehran, a move that could put Washington on a collision course with China should it actually be enforced.
“Today, I am announcing the most crushing economic operation ever taken against any country!” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “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.”
The announcement offered no specifics on what measures would follow or which countries might be targeted. It comes as the war approaches its six-month mark, with Trump facing growing pressure over the conflict’s economic toll as US midterm elections draw closer.
Last month, Trump paused military strikes on Iran after two weeks of nightly bombing failed to bring Tehran back to the negotiating table, with reports suggesting the campaign had significantly depleted US stockpiles of key munitions. Pentagon advisers reportedly told Trump last month that the US had nearly run through its list of viable targets inside Iran, and that the military campaign had reached the limits of what it could realistically achieve.
In recent weeks, the White House has signalled a broader shift in strategy, moving away from direct military action and toward tightening economic pressure on Tehran. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said last week that the US would begin ramping up efforts to isolate Iran economically.
