WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has announced the most severe economic campaign ever launched against a country, warning Iran and nations continuing to support its economy of potentially sweeping consequences.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the United States would pursue “economic warfare and isolation on an unprecedented scale”, accusing Tehran of repeatedly rejecting opportunities to reach a deal with his administration.
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) August 19, 2026
“No one has given the Islamic Republic of Iran a greater opportunity to make a Deal than me. Tragically, for them, they have failed to take it,” Trump said.
Trump said Washington would now intensify efforts to cut Iran off from international economic networks and target the channels through which Tehran generates revenue and maintains access to foreign currency.
He specifically identified oil smuggling, swap lines, cash transfers, exchange houses, ship registries and front companies as areas that would face increased scrutiny and pressure.
Trump warned that countries allowing their financial institutions, businesses, airports or government entities to provide an economic “lifeline” to Iran would face “TREMENDOUS Economic Consequences”. “It all needs to stop NOW,” he said, urging countries allied with Washington to join the effort to isolate Tehran.
Trump claims major military damage
In his statement, Trump also claimed that Iran’s navy and air force had been destroyed, military factories had been reduced to rubble and the Iranian currency had been rendered “worthless”.
He argued that the new economic campaign would further weaken Tehran’s ability to fund its activities beyond its borders. “This will be an ECONOMIC D-DAY,” Trump said, framing the planned measures as a decisive escalation of US pressure on Iran.
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The US president said the campaign was intended to cripple Iran’s ability to “project terror worldwide”, while reiterating Washington’s opposition to Tehran obtaining nuclear weapons. “IRAN WILL NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON,” Trump declared.
The announcement signals a further escalation in the Trump administration’s efforts to pressure Iran through economic isolation, with a particular focus on countries and commercial networks that continue to maintain financial and trade links with Tehran.
