Trump threatens economic punishment on 'any country' helping Iran
President Trump has announced a major economic pressure campaign against Iran, threatening severe consequences for any country that provides financial or business support to the nation. This move comes amid ongoing tensions and a collapsed diplomatic framework regarding the Strait of Hormuz.
Why it matters
The threat of secondary sanctions against international partners could significantly escalate global economic instability and diplomatic friction.
President Trump did not specify what punishment countries would face.
President Donald Trump speaks at the construction site of the new helicopter landing zone on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington on Aug 19, 2026. (Photo: AP/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
WASHINGTON: United States President Donald Trump said on Wednesday (Aug 19) he was launching a major new campaign to target Iran's economy, threatening "tremendous" punishment on any country that helps or does business with the Islamic Republic.
The intensified economic pressure campaign comes as the war nears its sixth month with no immediate diplomatic or military off-ramp in sight.
Trump is also facing renewed domestic political scrutiny over the war with November elections quickly approaching.
"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.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in