Former President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social platform that the United States would impose “tremendous economic consequences” on any country that helps or does business with Iran. The statement was made in all capitals and carried no specific name for a target other than “any country that allows its financial institutions, businesses, airports or government entities to provide any type of lifeline to Iran.”
Trump said the decision followed the expiry of a 60‑day ceasefire that lapsed on Monday, leaving the U.S. and Israel with no diplomatic or military exit strategy for the conflict that has been running since the end of February. The former president also referenced the Treasury’s earlier announcement of “economic isolation” that “has never been seen before.”
While Trump’s tweet by itself is not a formal policy decree, it echoes broader U.S. concerns about Iran’s oil smuggling, financial networks, “swap lines” and other illicit arrangements, and it potentially signals a new phase of sanctions. Critics say such a blanket threat could hamper international trade and destabilise markets, while supporters argue that a more aggressive stance is required to curb Iran’s regional influence.
Officials at the White House and Treasury have not yet responded to the tweet. Analysts note that any formal sanctions would require Congressional approval and a coordinated deployment of tools from the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). The international community will be watching closely to see whether the U.S. will follow up with legally binding measures.
