Trump threatens Iran’s trade partners, as military strikes make way for economic pressure

Donald Trump has announced a new campaign to isolate Iran’s economy, threatening "tremendous economic consequences" on any country that helps or does business with Tehran. This move could set up a fresh confrontation with China if implemented. Trump wrote on Truth Social: "Today, I am announcing the most crushing economic operation ever taken against any country!" His announcement, however, contained no details on specific actions or affected countries. It follows a six-month war where the US paused attacks on Iran after a fortnight of nightly strikes that failed to bring Tehran to negotiations. Pentagon advisers reportedly told Trump that US stockpiles of key munitions were nearly exhausted, and the military campaign had reached its limits. The White House has signaled a shift toward economic pressure on Iran. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the US would ramp up efforts to isolate Iran economically, building on Operation Economic Fury, which targets sanctions to cut off Iran’s funding. Iran’s economy already suffers from years of US and Western sanctions, but experts say leaders have adapted by using shadow tankers to export oil. Trump listed activities needing immediate cessation, including oil smuggling, swap lines, and front companies. Experts warn this could provoke direct confrontation with China, Iran’s largest trading partner, complicating US efforts to engage Beijing. Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s upcoming visit to the US further complicates any economic targeting of Beijing. Iranian adviser Mohammad Mokhber stated military pressure and sanctions would not break Iran’s resolve, emphasizing openness to dialogue but not surrender. The UAE suspended trade with Iran after detecting missiles launched from the country, though Tehran dismissed the reports as baseless. Trump also claimed vessels from Gulf countries allied with the US continued moving through the Strait of Hormuz, despite Iranian threats. US military aid to ships in the strait is reported to facilitate transit of 15–20 ships daily, though volumes remain disputed. Former Israeli military intelligence head Danny Citrinowicz noted this as an operational development but questioned its long-term impact on Iran’s negotiating position.