WASHINGTON, United States: President Donald Trump threatened economic consequences for countries that help Iran, escalating Washington’s Trump Iran sanctions campaign amid the continuing conflict.
Trump said Wednesday that financial institutions, businesses, airports or government bodies providing Iran an economic “lifeline” could face US penalties.
He described the plan as economic warfare and isolation on an unprecedented scale. However, Trump did not identify specific countries or detail the penalties.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected the move on Thursday. He called it a continuation of failed US policies and said further pressure would deepen Iranian hostility toward Washington.
Read: Trump Warns Countries Helping Iran of Economic Consequences
The warning could affect countries that retain commercial links with Tehran. China bought more than 80% of Iran’s shipped oil in 2025, according to Kpler data.
The United Arab Emirates separately suspended trade and financial transactions with Iran on Tuesday.
Iran hits out at fresh US sanctions as ‘economic terrorism ’; US president has vowed to financially cripple Iran, threatening the country with “economic D-Day”.
Read: Iran Offensive Strategy Raises Risk of Wider US Conflict
The conflict has also disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a route that carried about one-fifth of globally traded oil before February.
Read: NATO Iran Threat Warning Follows Reported Europe Strike Plans
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington would announce further measures against Iran on Monday.
