Trump threatens economic punishment on 'any country' helping Iran

President Donald Trump has declared a "most crushing economic operation ever taken against any country" targeting Iran, signaling an intensified effort to isolate the Islamic Republic's economy. The announcement, made via Truth Social, threatens "tremendous" economic consequences for any nation that aids or conducts business with Iran.

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Today, I am announcing the MOST CRUSHING ECONOMIC OPERATION EVER TAKEN AGAINST ANY COUNTRY! This will be Economic Warfare and Isolation on an unprecedented scale.

This aggressive economic warfare strategy comes as the conflict involving Iran nears its sixth month without an apparent diplomatic or military off-ramp. The move also occurs as Trump faces renewed domestic political scrutiny ahead of the November elections. The president's declaration emphasizes "Economic Warfare and Isolation on an unprecedented scale."

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I am also announcing that 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 explicitly stated that "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." While he did not name specific countries, the broad threat aims to deter international engagement with Iran. This follows recent remarks by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who vowed to impose economic isolation on Iran "like the world has never seen before."

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like the world has never seen before

Despite a recent decrease in missile strikes, Iran has maintained an effective blockade on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. This situation persists even after a framework deal to reopen the vital corridor collapsed. In recent days, both sides have indicated that messages are being exchanged, though Trump on Tuesday insisted that talks were off. He also posted a social media message suggesting the Strait of Hormuz could be designated "NEW US Territory," further escalating regional tensions.

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the strait could be a "NEW US Territory"