WASHINGTON (VINnews) — President Trump on Wednesday declared what he called the “MOST CRUSHING ECONOMIC OPERATION EVER TAKEN AGAINST ANY COUNTRY,” launching a campaign of unprecedented economic pressure and isolation aimed at Iran.

Trump said the United States will target not only Iran but any country, financial institution, business, airport or government entity that provides Tehran with a “lifeline.” He specifically cited oil smuggling, financial transfers, currency exchanges, ship registries and front companies as activities that would face U.S. action.

The announcement marks a sharp shift from the administration’s recent public assessments that negotiations with Iran were advancing. As recently as Aug. 5, Trump said talks were “working out quite well.” On July 28, he described discussions as a “beautiful discussion” and said the door remained open to a deal.

Those earlier comments came even as a June memorandum of understanding collapsed, a 60-day negotiating window expired without a broader agreement, and the two sides remained deeply divided over the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions and the U.S. military presence in the region.

Trump’s latest statements appear to intensify the administration’s dual-track approach: portraying Iran as nearing economic collapse while applying substantially broader pressure intended to force a resolution. He also reiterated that Iran will never be permitted to obtain a nuclear weapon