Washington: US President Donald Trump has threatened “tremendous” economic consequences for any country that helps Iran or conducts business with the Islamic Republic.
Trump described the move as an unprecedented economic pressure campaign against Tehran as the conflict in the Middle East approaches its sixth month.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump called the campaign the “most crushing economic operation ever taken against any country” and said it would amount to economic warfare and isolation on an unprecedented scale.
Trump Announces ‘Economic D-Day’ Against Iran
Trump warned that countries allowing their financial institutions, businesses, airports or government entities to provide support to Iran would face unspecified economic penalties.
He specifically called for an end to activities including oil smuggling, swap lines, cash transfers, exchange houses, ship registries and front companies linked to Iran.
Trump did not name any specific country but warned that the governments involved “know who they are.”
Before the conflict, China, India, Turkey, Germany, South Korea and Japan were among Iran’s major trading partners.
“This will be an ECONOMIC D-DAY,” Trump said, urging US allies to support Washington’s efforts to isolate Iran.
He also reiterated that Iran must never be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon.
The US Treasury has separately been pursuing what it calls Operation Economic Fury, targeting financial networks and revenue sources that Washington says support Tehran.
Trump Says No Talks Planned With Iran
Trump also said on Tuesday that no talks or conversations were taking place with Iran following the expiry of a temporary 60-day ceasefire agreement.
“There are no talks or conversations going on, or scheduled, with the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Trump said in another Truth Social post.
He also claimed that a naval blockade remained in effect and said the Strait of Hormuz was open and operating.
Trump’s statement came a day after his son-in-law and special envoy Jared Kushner said negotiations with Iran were still continuing and were “probably more robust” than before.
The conflicting statements have added uncertainty over the prospects for renewed diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran.
Dispute Over Strait of Hormuz Complicates Negotiations
A memorandum of understanding signed on June 17 had reportedly established a 60-day framework for negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme and US sanctions.
The agreement called for the “immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts.”
However, the arrangement later came under strain amid a dispute over control of the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important waterway through which a significant share of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments passed before the conflict.
Trump’s latest warning signals a further escalation in the economic pressure on Iran, with countries maintaining trade or financial links with Tehran potentially facing action from Washington.
The extent and nature of the threatened penalties remain unclear, as Trump did not specify what sanctions or other measures would be imposed on countries that continue to support Iran.
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