WASHINGTON: Iran faces the threat of what US President Donald Trump described as the “most crushing economic operation” as Washington prepares to intensify pressure on Tehran amid stalled efforts to end the conflict.
In a post on Truth Social on Wednesday, Trump accused Iran of failing to seize an opportunity to reach a deal with Washington and warned countries that provide financial, commercial or logistical support to Tehran that they could face severe consequences.
Trump said the United States would impose “Economic Warfare and Isolation on an unprecedented scale” against Iran. He warned that countries allowing financial institutions, businesses, airports or government entities to provide any form of support to Tehran could face what he called “tremendous economic consequences.”
The US president specifically called for an end to Iranian oil smuggling, financial swap arrangements, cash transfers, exchange-house transactions, ship registrations and the use of front companies to sustain Iran’s economy.
“It all needs to stop NOW,” Trump said, describing the campaign as an “Economic D-Day” and urging US allies to join Washington in isolating what he called the Iranian threat.
Trump, however, did not specify the measures Washington would impose on countries that violate the warning. He also did not identify any particular country as a potential target.
Escalation in US economic pressure
Trump’s latest threat builds on Washington’s longstanding campaign of economic pressure against Tehran. His administration has imposed sanctions on Iranian entities as well as foreign banks and companies accused of conducting business with Iran.
The broader campaign has been described as “Operation Economic Fury,” while the United States has maintained extensive sanctions against Iran for decades.
The latest warning comes after a 60-day ceasefire with Iran expired on Monday without a clear diplomatic or military route toward ending the conflict. The war has killed thousands of people, drawn Gulf states deeper into the crisis and disrupted global markets.
Iran has also demonstrated its ability to restrict shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy route that carried roughly one-fifth of the world’s traded oil before the conflict.
Tehran rejects Trump’s threats
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected Trump’s announcement and accused Washington of using economic pressure to divert attention from its own financial challenges.
In a statement on X, Araghchi linked the US threat to what he described as America’s “unprecedented debt” and rising interest costs.
He argued that continuing what he called failed US policies would bring further setbacks for Washington and increase hostility toward the United States among Iranians.
Araghchi also described US economic pressure as “economic terrorism” and warned that Washington’s actions could threaten the global economy and the national sovereignty of countries around the world.
Photography: World Photography Day Celebrated at French Cultural Centre in Karachi
Iranian media dismisses US announcement
Iranian state and semi-official media outlets portrayed Trump’s announcement as largely a continuation of existing US policy rather than a fundamentally new initiative.
State broadcaster IRIB linked the announcement to what it described as the “failure of military aggression,” while semi-official Tasnim news agency said Washington had spent years trying to prevent financial and economic ties with Iran.
Tasnim argued that Tehran had developed methods to circumvent sanctions and had become increasingly experienced in dealing with US economic restrictions.
Semi-official Fars news agency went further, calling Trump’s claims “delusional” and arguing that Washington had repeatedly predicted Iran’s imminent economic or military collapse without achieving the expected outcome.
Details of new measures remain unclear
Despite Trump’s strong language, the exact scope of the proposed economic campaign remains uncertain.
The US president did not explain what penalties countries could face for maintaining economic relations with Iran. His announcement also did not identify specific governments that Washington might target.
The warning could potentially affect US allies involved in diplomatic efforts or economic relations with Tehran, but Trump did not name any such countries.
Iran warns of new military capabilities
The latest economic threats have coincided with renewed warnings from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps about its military capabilities.
The Revolutionary Guards said Iran’s weapons would be different if another conflict erupted. Iranian military officials said the country continues to develop new weapons technologies and increasingly destructive systems.
The Guards also said Iran was developing long-range missiles capable of carrying warheads and striking distant targets, while stressing that Tehran had never halted its weapons-development programme.
Stalled diplomacy raises tensions
Trump’s latest threat comes at a critical moment, with the 60-day ceasefire expired and diplomatic efforts yet to produce a lasting agreement.
Washington is seeking to increase pressure on Tehran through sanctions and international isolation, while Iran continues to reject the campaign and warns that sustained US pressure could further deepen hostility.
The combination of renewed economic threats, stalled diplomacy and Iran’s warnings about its military capabilities has increased uncertainty over the next phase of the conflict.
