Trump announces ‘unprecedented’ economic warfare against Iran, threatens supporters

WASHINGTON – 20 August 2026: US President Donald Trump announced early Thursday that Iran would face what he called the “most crushing economic operation ever taken against any country.”

“This will be Economic Warfare and Isolation on an unprecedented scale,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

Threatening Iran’s Supporters

Also, Trump warned that any country or entity providing Iran with financial or economic support would face “tremendous economic consequences.”

“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.

He said the measures would target oil smuggling, swap lines, cash transfers, exchange houses, ship registries and front companies, calling for them to “stop NOW.”

Trump threatened “ANY country that allows its financial institutions, businesses, airports, or government entities to provide any type of lifeline to Iran.”

Calling the measures an “ECONOMIC D-DAY,” Trump urged US allies to support Washington's efforts to isolate Iran and counter what he described as the Iranian threat.

“IRAN WILL NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON,” Trump said, adding that these “HISTORIC MEASURES” would cripple Iran and its ability to “project terror worldwide.”

‘Hanging by a Thread’

Trump said that “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.”

“Their navy is gone, their air force is destroyed, their military factories are now rubble, their currency is worthless, and their country is hanging by a thread.”