On August 19 local time, U.S. President Donald Trump posted a statement on the 'Truth Social' platform, stating that Iran 'failed to seize the opportunity to reach an agreement with the United States.' Therefore, he announced the implementation of 'the most severe economic measures ever' against Iran. He claimed that this would be an unprecedented 'economic war and economic isolation,' aimed at weakening Iran's capabilities.
Trump said that any country that allows its financial institutions, companies, airports, or government entities to provide support to Iran will face “huge economic consequences.” He demanded an immediate cessation of activities such as oil smuggling, currency swaps, cash transfers, ship registrations, and the use of shell companies.
He stated: “This will be a decisive day in terms of economics. We need all our allies to stand with the United States, isolate and defeat the Iranian threat. These historic measures will weaken their capabilities, and Iran will never possess nuclear weapons.”
According to a report by CNN on the 18th, a U.S. official said that Trump had instructed his senior envoy to suspend talks with Iran. The official revealed that Trump was dissatisfied with Iran's refusal to comply with his demands. He wanted to resume contact only after Iran's leaders expressed a new willingness to reach the agreements he sought.
Iranian Parliament member for National Security and Foreign Policy Affairs, Rezaei, emphasized on the 19th that if Iran's interests are damaged anywhere in the world, Iran will take countermeasures against hostile countries and governments in the Hormuz Strait by raising tariffs or confiscating assets.
