Trump Threatens Sanctions Against Countries Trading With Iran
Trump concluded his statement by again calling on US allies to join Washington in isolating Iran, saying: “We need all of our Allies to stand with the United States of America to isolate, and defeat, the Iran threat.”
United States President Donald Trump has announced what he described as an “ECONOMIC D-DAY” against Iran, warning that countries, businesses and financial institutions that continue trading with Tehran could face “tremendous economic consequences.”
Trump issued the warning on Wednesday in a post on Truth Social, accusing Iran of using oil smuggling, cash transfers, exchange houses, ship registries and front companies to circumvent US pressure.
“Today, I am announcing the MOST CRUSHING ECONOMIC OPERATION EVER TAKEN AGAINST ANY COUNTRY,” Trump said, describing the planned measures as an unprecedented campaign of “economic warfare and isolation.”
He warned that any country allowing its financial institutions, businesses, airports or government agencies to provide economic support to Iran would also face punitive measures.
Trump urged US allies to support Washington’s efforts to isolate Iran, saying the measures were intended to cripple Tehran’s ability to finance what he described as terrorism and to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
The president, however, did not provide details of the specific measures or name any countries that could be targeted. His threat could potentially affect US allies that have been involved in diplomatic efforts to mediate between Washington and Tehran.
The announcement came a day after Trump said he was not interested in talks with Iran, although he indicated on Wednesday that he remained open to the possibility of negotiations.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had previously announced plans to intensify economic pressure on Iran as part of a broader strategy involving sanctions and a naval blockade.
The US Treasury has also been implementing what Washington calls “Operation Economic Fury,” aimed at disrupting Iran’s access to funds through targeted sanctions.
The latest escalation comes amid the continuing US-Israeli conflict with Iran and heightened tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, a major global energy shipping route.
The conflict began on February 28 following US and Israeli attacks on Iran, which responded with missile and drone strikes across the region. The fighting has significantly disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump said earlier on Wednesday that US military operations were helping ships transit the strategic waterway. US officials have claimed that American forces control the southern shipping lane, while Iranian forces have continued to pose a threat to maritime traffic.
The United Arab Emirates also announced on Tuesday that it was suspending economic dealings with Iran after reporting that it had been targeted by ballistic missiles.
Trump concluded his statement by again calling on US allies to join Washington in isolating Iran, saying: “We need all of our Allies to stand with the United States of America to isolate, and defeat, the Iran threat.”
