Trump threatens economic consequences for countries aiding Iran

Washington, United States. President Donald Trump has threatened unprecedented economic consequences against any country providing Iran with what he described as “any type of lifeline,” as the United States seeks to end a war it began alongside Israel nearly six months ago.

Thousands of people have been killed in the conflict, which rapidly drew in countries across the Gulf and disrupted global markets through Iran’s influence over shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

Threat of economic action

In a social media message on Wednesday evening, Trump said any country allowing its financial institutions, businesses, airports or government entities to support Iran would face “TREMENDOUS Economic Consequences.”

He did not specify which measures the United States would take or name any countries. The potential scope appeared to include US allies that have helped mediate peace talks.

Trump’s social media announcements and threats have not always been developed into policy or implemented as stated.

War and shipping disruption

The war has affected shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, through which about one-fifth of the world’s traded oil passed before February.

The United States and Iran announced ceasefire agreements in April and June aimed at restoring shipping through Hormuz to pre-war levels as part of efforts to end the conflict. Both agreements quickly collapsed, although Israel has largely withdrawn from the fighting.

Iran has faced continuous economic sanctions for nearly 50 years, since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Regional and international response

On Tuesday, the United Arab Emirates, which hosts a major US military base, said it was suspending all trade activities, commercial exchanges and financial transactions with Iran until further notice.

The UAE announcement followed a defence ministry statement that it had detected two missiles launched from Iran that fell into the sea. Iran dismissed the report as baseless.

China purchases more than 80% of Iran’s shipped oil, according to 2025 data from analytics firm Kpler. Further US economic action involving China, a major exporter to the United States including of vital rare-earth minerals, could risk retaliation.

Conflicting statements on talks

Mohammad Mokhber, an adviser to Iran’s supreme leader, said on Tuesday that Iran remained open to dialogue with the United States but did not confuse negotiations with surrender, according to the semi-official Fars news agency. He said military pressure and sanctions would not break Iran’s resolve.

Trump said on Tuesday that no talks with Iran were taking place. A day earlier, Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and special envoy, said talks were still under way and were “probably more robust” than ever.