Trump Launches "Most Crushing Economic Operation" Against Iran
Washington, Dubai, Tehran – Reuters, AFP – U.S. President Donald Trump threatened Iran with an “economic D-Day,” akin to the Normandy landings, warning any country that trades with Tehran of severe repercussions, a move Tehran dismissed as an attempt to divert attention from economic problems in the United States.
Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform late Wednesday, “I am announcing today that any country that allows its financial institutions, companies, airports, and government agencies to provide any form of lifeline to Iran will face severe economic consequences.”
He added, “Therefore, I am announcing the most crushing economic operation ever undertaken against any country!” referring to an “unprecedented economic war.”
He stated that these “historic measures will paralyze Iran and eliminate its ability to spread terrorism around the world.”
Trump likened these measures to an “economic D-Day,” similar to the Normandy landings during World War II.
The Normandy landings were the largest amphibious invasion in military history; launched by the Allies in June 1944 from Britain onto the beaches of Normandy in northwestern France to open a new front against Germany during World War II. More than two million soldiers and 300,000 military vehicles participated.
In this context, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned allies that they are “either with us or against us” on the issue of economically isolating Iran.
Speaking to CNBC about his message to allies, he said, “We are telling them: either you are with us or against us.” When asked whether the United States would pressure China, he said, “A lot of conversations are better held privately,” but urged Beijing to “align with the plan.”
He added that the economic war would be successful, “and we will push this system into collapse... This will be the greatest coordinated economic isolation in world history.”
In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described Trump’s remarks as an attempt to distract the American public from domestic financial problems, including unprecedented debt levels and rising interest rates.
He said that Washington’s insistence on policies he described as failed would only lead to further failures.
Trump previously pursued a “maximum pressure” policy toward Tehran during his first presidential term, which relied on imposing harsh economic sanctions on Iran.
In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said, “Sanctions and pressure will not solve the problem... China calls on all concerned parties to take responsible measures to resolve this issue through political and diplomatic means.”
Data from analysis firm Kpler dating to last year indicate that China purchases more than 80 percent of Iranian oil shipments.
CENTCOM posted images of naval personnel on the deck of an aircraft carrier as it transited the Arabian Sea.
