Trump vows 'most crushing economic operation ever' against Iran, amid stalled efforts to end war

The president said the operation will constitute "economic warfare," and warned that countries that try to help Iran will face "tremendous economic consequences."

Published: August 19, 2026 8:45pm

Updated: August 19, 2026 8:46pm

President Donald Trump vowed Wednesday to conduct the "most crushing economic operation ever taken" against the Iranian regime amid frustration that the two countries have failed to reach a deal to end their war that began in late-February.

The president said the operation will constitute "economic warfare," and warned that countries that try to help Iran will face "tremendous economic consequences."

"No one has given the Islamic Republic of Iran a greater opportunity to make a Deal than me," Trump posted to Truth Social. "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 Isolation on an unprecedented scale," he continued. "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."

Trump urged U.S. allies to stand with him and help isolate the Iranian regime, emphasizing that the country cannot have a nuclear weapon.

"Today, 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 wrote. "Oil smuggling, swap lines, cash transfers, exchange houses, ship registries, front companies — It all needs to stop NOW. 

"This will be an ECONOMIC D-DAY, and we need all of our Allies to stand with the United States of America to isolate, and defeat, the Iran threat," he continued. "These maniacs are on the ropes, and these HISTORIC MEASURES will cripple them and their ability to project terror worldwide."

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage. 

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