Trump Says US Economic War on Iran Does Not Rule Out Military Options

By Staff, Agencies

US President Donald Trump said Washington’s escalating economic pressure on Iran does not rule out military action, as tensions between Washington and Tehran remain high.

Asked whether the shift toward economic warfare had limited US military options in the region, Trump replied, “No, not at all.”

On Wednesday, Trump accused Tehran of failing to seize an opportunity for a deal and announced what he called a sweeping economic operation against the Islamic Republic.

Meanwhile, Trump has questioned whether Washington even needs an agreement with Tehran amid a freeze in negotiations and the ongoing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

“We don't even know if we want [a deal with Iran],” he told supporters in South Carolina.

Earlier this month, Trump said the United States was not negotiating with Iran and had no plans to do so, before later acknowledging that talks with Tehran could resume.

Trump described his latest measures as the “MOST CRUSHING ECONOMIC OPERATION EVER TAKEN AGAINST ANY COUNTRY,” threatening unprecedented economic warfare and isolation.

He warned countries providing Iran with what he called a “lifeline” through financial institutions, businesses, airports, or government entities of “TREMENDOUS Economic Consequences.”

He identified oil smuggling, financial transfers, exchange houses, ship registries, and front companies as targets.

Tehran, however, has dismissed the threats. On August 18, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf mocked warnings issued by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, saying Washington’s attempt to pressure Iran into concessions would fail.

Trump’s latest announcement comes nearly six months into the war Washington launched on February 28, with declared objectives including toppling Iran’s government, destroying its military capabilities, eliminating its nuclear program and stockpiles, and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

Yet those objectives remain unmet: Iran’s leadership has held, Tehran continues to control shipping through the strait, and Washington continues to threaten Iran over its nuclear program despite earlier vows to destroy it outright.