President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social a new “most crushing economic operation” aimed at isolating Iran, warning that any country providing financial, commercial or logistical support will face “tremendous economic consequences.” The threat comes as the US‑Iran conflict approaches its six‑month mark and signals a shift from kinetic strikes to broader economic pressure.
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council secretary Mohsen Rezaei responded on state TV, declaring that any nation joining the US campaign will be deemed an enemy and that Tehran will target oil‑shipping routes, including alternatives to the Strait of Hormuz. The United Arab Emirates announced a suspension of all trade with Iran, while Egypt’s foreign minister discussed reviving US‑Iran talks. China’s foreign ministry criticised the sanctions, calling them ineffective.
The Treasury Department’s upcoming press conference will detail the coordinated sanctions, which officials describe as the most extensive economic isolation in history. Secondary sanctions could affect regional banks, shipping firms and countries that continue oil purchases, raising compliance risk and potentially tightening oil‑price premiums for Gulf shipments. Market participants note heightened geopolitical risk but no immediate price forecasts were provided.
Trump’s statement listed prohibited activities—oil smuggling, swap lines, cash transfers, exchange houses, ship registries and front companies—but gave no detail on enforcement mechanisms, whereas Rezaei warned of “seismic” retaliation without quantifying targets, leaving the precise scope of both the US sanctions and Iran’s counter‑measures unresolved.