Adedokun Waliyu 
US President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he was launching a major new campaign targeting Iran’s economy, threatening “tremendous” punishment against any country that helps or does business with the Islamic Republic.
The intensified economic pressure campaign comes as the war approaches its sixth month, with no immediate diplomatic or military resolution in sight.
Trump is also facing renewed domestic political scrutiny over the war as the November elections approach.
“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,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“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,” he said.
Trump did not specify what punishment countries would face, and no country other than Iran was mentioned by name.
The president’s comments came nearly a week after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the United States would impose economic isolation on Iran “like the world has never seen before.”
Despite a recent lull in missile strikes, Iran has continued to impose an effective blockade on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, following the collapse of a failed US-Iran agreement to reopen the vital corridor.
In recent days, both sides have said messages were being exchanged. However, Trump on Tuesday insisted that talks were off and posted a message on social media suggesting that the Strait of Hormuz could become a “NEW U.S. Territory.”
