Trump threatens 'tremendous' economic costs on Iran partners

US President Donald Trump on Thursday threatened "tremendous" punishment on any country that helps or does business with Iran, an economic pressure campaign that comes as the war in the Middle East nears its sixth month. Calling it the "most crushing economic operation ever taken against any country", he also listed several activities that he said need to stop immediately. "No one has given the Islamic Republic of Iran a greater opportunity to make a Deal than me. 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 said in a Truth Social post.He called for an immediate halt to alleged activities, including “oil smuggling, swap lines, cash transfers, exchange houses, ship registries, front companies”, supporting Tehran.
He didn't name any country but said "they know who they are". Before the war broke out in February, China, India, Turkey, Germany, South Korea, and Japan were among Iran's largest trading partners.The US Treasury has for months been carrying out 'Operation Economic Fury', aiming to cut off Tehran's funding with targeted sanctions. The announcement comes as the US war on Iran nears its sixth month, with no immediate diplomatic or military off-ramp in sight. The vital Strait of Hormuz is also still majorly choked off.
Russia has reportedly provided Iran with military equipment and drone-related technology while China has continued buying Iranian oil, maintaining trade ties and giving Tehran diplomatic backing. Pakistan has supported Iran through diplomacy and efforts to push for talks, but has not provided military support. Iran also has the backing of allied armed groups, including the Houthis in Yemen and Iran-aligned militias in Iraq, Reuters reported.