Trump announces economic operation against Iran and threatens its partners

US President Donald Trump has announced the start of a large-scale economic operation against Iran, which is intended to tighten the country's financial and trade isolation. At the same time, Washington is threatening economic consequences not only for Tehran, but also for countries and companies that help it maintain external trade.

Trump called the upcoming measures "economic war and isolation of unprecedented scale." The president has not yet presented a specific list of new sanctions, but he outlined the directions the US intends to block.

Among them are oil smuggling, currency swaps, money transfers, operations through exchange offices, ship registration, and the use of front companies. Trump said that countries whose banks, businesses, airports, or government entities provide Iran with economic channels could face "serious economic consequences."

Thus, one of the key elements of the new strategy could be measures against Iran's trade and financial partners. China, which remains the main buyer of Iranian oil, attracts particular attention. Potential pressure on Chinese banks or companies could complicate trade relations between Washington and Beijing.

The increase in pressure comes against the backdrop of Iran's diminishing ability to export oil due to the American blockade and shipping problems near the Strait of Hormuz. On the eve, the United Arab Emirates also announced the cessation of economic ties with Iran. In recent years, the UAE has been one of Tehran's largest trading partners and an important channel for access to foreign goods and currency.

The energy market remains sensitive to the development of the conflict. WTI oil for October delivery was trading above $84 per barrel, while Brent closed near $92. Prices rose for the fourth consecutive session.

At the same time, it is still unclear how the new measures will differ from the sanctions the US has already been applying against Iran for many years. Tehran has created an extensive system of circumventing restrictions through intermediaries, front companies, financial channels, and the so-called shadow tanker fleet.

Washington's goal is to increase economic pressure enough to force Iran to return to negotiations regarding the end of the conflict, the nuclear program, and the situation in the Strait of Hormuz. At the same time, the success of such a strategy will largely depend on how much the US can limit Iran's trade with third countries.

Based on materials from: Donald Trump's statement, Bloomberg, CNN