Trump announces 'most brutal economic operation' against Iran to date

U.S. President Donald Trump announced a new campaign to economically isolate Iran, warning that countries which help Tehran or continue to cooperate with it will face “enormous economic consequences.” He posted the message on Truth Social, declaring: "Today I announce the most brutal economic operation ever undertaken against any country! Any country that allows its financial institutions, companies, airports or government bodies to provide any kind of support to Iran, will itself face enormous economic consequences."

Context and immediate questions

The announcement did not specify which measures Washington plans to impose or which foreign governments could be targeted. It comes as the conflict moves toward the six‑month mark and amid growing domestic pressure on Trump over the costs of the war ahead of Congressional elections.

Last month Trump suspended U.S. strikes on Iran after two weeks of nighttime attacks that failed to bring Iranian authorities back to the negotiating table. Separate reporting has suggested the conflict has depleted U.S. stocks of certain types of key munitions.

Advisers at the Pentagon reportedly told Trump that the United States had nearly exhausted viable targets inside Iran and that the military campaign had reached the limit of its effectiveness. In a related development, the United Arab Emirates moved to ban trade with Iran.

The White House has signalled a shift in strategy in recent weeks toward greater economic pressure. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said last week Washington would step up efforts to economically isolate Iran. For months the Treasury Department has been carrying out Operation "Economic Fury," a program of targeted sanctions aimed at choking off Tehran's funding sources.

Iranian adviser Mohamad Mohber responded on Tuesday that "neither military pressure nor sanctions will break Iran's resolve." He added that Iran remains open to dialogue with the United States but ‘‘will not equate negotiations with capitulation.’’ The U.S. announcement also comes amid reports that Trump pressed aides to arrange a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Photo: press material from the event