U.S. President Donald Trump speaks about the helipad that is being constructed on the South Lawn, at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 19, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
President Donald Trump announced on his Truth Social platform he would turn all economic guns on Iran, as his war drags on with no sign of productive talks.
"No one has given the Islamic Republic of Iran a greater opportunity to make a Deal than me," wrote Trump. "TRAGICALLY, for them, they have failed to take it. Therefore, today, I am announcing the MOST CRUSHING ECONOMIC OPERATION EVER TAKEN AGAINST ANY COUNTRY!"
The president vowed "Economic Warfare and Isolation on an unprecedented scale" and proclaimed, "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."
"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," Trump said. "Oil smuggling, swap lines, cash transfers, exchange houses, ship registries, front companies — It all needs to stop NOW. You know who you are."
"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. These maniacs are on the ropes, and these HISTORIC MEASURES will cripple them and their ability to project terror worldwide," said Trump.
The president already announced earlier in the week that he was throwing in the towel on peace talks.