US threatens Iran with ‘economic isolation, like the world has never seen’

On August 14, 2026, the US threatened Iran with 'economic isolation, like the world has never seen'. US Treasury chief Bessent vowed unprecedented economic measures against Iran, and Bloomberg wrote that the US would roll out an 'economic isolation' plan the following week. The US also said it can keep a naval blockade on Iran 'indefinitely'.

Oil prices rose after the threat of an indefinite blockade, and Indian shares slipped. The Financial Times wrote that mortgage costs were pushed higher by the US stand-off with Iran, and Trump urged Americans to accept higher gas prices. Bloomberg wrote that Iranians struggle to afford groceries.