Trump: Iran Will Face 'Most Crushing Economic Operation' Ever

On 19 August 2026, Trump announced what he called the 'most crushing economic operation' ever taken against Iran, describing it as economic warfare on an unprecedented scale. He accused Iran of failing to make a deal and threatened economic punishment on any country helping Iran. TASS reported that he left open the possibility of further sanctions.

The UAE suspended trade with Iran while US-Iran talks stalled, according to The National, and Al Jazeera wrote that a UAE trade embargo could shut a key economic escape route for Iran. Newsmax also reported a US warning that Siemens devices can be hacked amid fears Iran is breaching water plants.