Trump threatens economic punishment on ‘any country’ helping Iran

US president Donald Trump announced a massive new economic campaign targeting Iran on Wednesday, threatening severe punishment for any nation aiding or trading with the Islamic republic. This intensified economic pressure campaign coincides with the ongoing war in Iran, now in its sixth month without a clear diplomatic or military solution.

Trump emphasized the unprecedented scale of this economic warfare, writing on Truth Social that it would be the "Most Crushing Economic Operation Ever Taken Against Any Country." He also declared that any nation permitting financial institutions, businesses, airports, or government entities to assist Iran would face significant economic consequences, though specific punishments were not disclosed.

This announcement follows a week after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent pledged an unprecedented economic isolation against Iran. Despite a recent temporary ceasefire, Iran persists in blocking shipping through the strategic Strait of Hormuz following the collapse of a US-Iran agreement. Recently, both sides have hinted at communication, but Trump insisted on Tuesday that talks were off, posting on social media that the strait might become a "New US Territory."