Trump Declares 'Most Crushing Economic Operation Ever' Against Iran

President Trump said on Truth Social on August 20, 2026 that the United States would launch 'the MOST CRUSHING ECONOMIC OPERATION EVER TAKEN AGAINST ANY COUNTRY' against Iran, describing it as 'Economic Warfare and Isolation on an unprecedented scale' after accusing Tehran of failing to accept a deal he said gave it 'a greater opportunity...than me.' Trump warned that any nation providing Iran a financial 'lifeline' — through oil smuggling, swap lines, cash transfers, exchange houses, ship registries, or front companies — would face 'TREMENDOUS Economic Consequences.' The announcement escalates the Operation Economic Fury sanctions campaign the administration has waged since April, and comes as the United Arab Emirates said it was suspending all trade and financial dealings with Iran.