Trump declares 'economic warfare' on Iran, warns allies

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced what he termed "the most crushing economic operation ever taken against any country," unveiling sweeping measures targeting Iran's financial networks while warning allied nations that facilitating Tehran's commerce would carry severe economic consequences. Writing on his Truth Social platform, Trump declared that Washington would seek to sever all financial and commercial channels sustaining Iran's economy.

US announces 'Economic D-Day' sanctions

"No one has given the Islamic Republic of Iran a greater opportunity to make a Deal than me," Trump said, arguing that Tehran had failed to seize diplomatic openings despite extensive negotiations. The president specifically cited oil smuggling, financial swap lines, cash transfers and front companies as activities that must cease immediately, warning 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."

Trump claims military degradation, urges allied unity

Trump characterized the initiative as an "Economic D-Day" and urged US partners to join Washington in isolating Tehran. "We need all of our Allies to stand with the United States of America to isolate, and defeat, the Iran threat," he said. The president also claimed Iran's armed forces had been severely degraded, asserting that "their navy is gone, their air force is destroyed, their military factories are now rubble," and concluded with a definitive statement on nuclear proliferation: "Iran will never have a nuclear weapon."

Tehran dismisses sanctions as 'failed' maximum pressure

Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency rejected Trump's announcement as a recycled version of previous policies. "Donald Trump, who throughout his presidency has pursued a policy of 'maximum pressure' against Iran... has once again resorted to the tactic of 'economic warfare,' claiming to be declaring an 'economic war' against Iran," Tasnim said, noting that "Iran has learned to circumvent these restrictions and has become adept at doing so." The economic offensive comes amid ongoing US military operations targeting Iranian facilities, with the Trump administration claiming that recent strikes have degraded Tehran's conventional capabilities.