Trump Announces ‘Crushing’ Economic Operation Against Iran

US President Donald Trump has announced a sweeping new economic campaign against Iran, declaring that Washington will pursue what he described as the “most crushing economic operation ever taken against any country.”

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. Therefore, today, I am announcing the MOST CRUSHING ECONOMIC OPERATION EVER TAKEN AGAINST ANY COUNTRY! This will be Economic Warfare and… pic.twitter.com/1CsO5S1KOy

— Commentary Donald J. Trump Truth Social Posts On X (@TrumpTruthOnX) August 19, 2026

In a strongly worded statement, Trump accused Iran of failing to take an opportunity to reach a deal with the United States and said his administration would now pursue economic warfare and unprecedented isolation against the Islamic Republic.

Trump claimed that Iran’s military capabilities had suffered extensive damage, while describing the country’s economy as being under severe strain. He warned that the United States would target networks providing financial and economic support to Tehran.

The US president said countries that allow their financial institutions, businesses, airports or government entities to provide assistance to Iran could face what he called “tremendous economic consequences.”

Trump specifically cited oil smuggling, financial swap lines, cash transfers, exchange houses, ship registries and front companies as areas that Washington would seek to shut down.

Calling the campaign an “economic D-Day,” Trump urged US allies to join Washington in isolating Iran and countering what he described as the Iranian threat.

Trump also reiterated his position that Iran must never obtain a nuclear weapon, declaring: “IRAN WILL NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON.”

The announcement signals a potentially significant escalation in the US campaign of economic pressure on Tehran, with the threat of secondary consequences extending beyond Iran to entities and countries that continue to maintain economic or financial links with the country.