U.S. President Donald Trump warned countries helping Iran that they could face major economic consequences as Washington seeks to increase pressure on Tehran during the continuing conflict.
In a social media post on Wednesday evening, Trump threatened economic isolation against countries whose financial institutions, businesses, airports or government entities provide what he called a “lifeline” to Iran.
Trump did not identify any country or specify the penalties Washington could impose.
The warning followed a move by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Tuesday to suspend trade, commercial exchanges and financial transactions with Iran until further notice.
China is another major factor. Analytics firm Kpler estimated, based on 2025 data, that China purchased more than 80% of Iran’s oil shipped. Any additional U.S. economic pressure involving Beijing could therefore affect a major trading relationship.
Mohammad Mokhber, an adviser to Iran’s supreme leader, told the semi-official Fars news agency on Tuesday that Tehran remained open to dialogue but would not accept negotiations as surrender.
Read: US-UAE-Iran Tensions Rise After Reported Missile Launches
Trump said Tuesday that no talks with Iran were taking place. However, Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and special envoy, had said a day earlier that discussions remained underway and were more active than before.
The United States is seeking tighter restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program and access to its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Iran maintains that its nuclear program is peaceful.
