US President Donald Trump has announced what he described as the “most crushing economic operation” against Iran, signalling a further escalation of Washington’s pressure campaign amid stalled negotiations over the ongoing conflict. In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump said Iran had failed to seize the opportunity to reach an agreement and warned that the United States would intensify economic measures against Tehran. He also cautioned that any country providing financial, commercial, or logistical support to Iran could face severe economic consequences from the United States.

The proposed measures are intended to tighten restrictions on Iran’s economy by targeting financial institutions, businesses, shipping networks, and entities accused of facilitating Iranian trade. The Trump administration has already imposed extensive sanctions on Iran’s oil, shipping, and banking sectors under its economic pressure campaign and has sought to limit Tehran’s ability to generate revenue from energy exports. While the latest announcement did not include detailed new measures, officials and analysts say the administration could increase pressure on countries and companies that continue commercial ties with Iran, particularly in the energy and financial sectors.

Iran strongly rejected the announcement, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi describing the renewed sanctions threats as “economic terrorism” and arguing that previous US pressure campaigns had failed to achieve their objectives. Iranian state media also dismissed Trump’s remarks as a continuation of existing policies, asserting that the country has adapted to years of economic restrictions. Analysts noted that any broader enforcement efforts could face practical challenges, especially in relation to major trading partners such as China, Türkiye, and Iraq, while also raising concerns about the wider impact on regional trade and the global economy.