Trump threatens economic punishment for nations aiding Iran

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that he was launching a major new campaign to target Iran's economy, threatening "tremendous" punishment against any country that helps or does business with the West Asian nation. In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: "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 also said he was announcing that any country that allows its financial institutions, businesses, airports, or government to engage in certain unspecified activities would face consequences, though the full statement was not provided in the report. The intensified economic pressure campaign comes as the war nears its sixth month with no immediate diplomatic or military off-ramp in sight. Trump is also facing renewed domestic political scrutiny over the war, with US elections approaching in November.