Trump threatens penalties on countries that keep trade flowing to Iran

President Donald Trump threatened sweeping economic penalties against any country that gives Iran a financial or commercial lifeline, escalating Washington’s pressure campaign nearly six months into the war. In a Truth Social post on Aug. 19, Trump warned that countries allowing banks, businesses, airports or government bodies to aid Iran would face severe consequences, but he did not spell out what measures the U.S. would take. The warning landed as traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remained sharply reduced after the conflict disrupted a route that handled about one-fifth of the world’s traded oil before February. The United Arab Emirates said it was suspending trade and financial dealings with Iran, while Iran rejected the U.S. threat and kept the door open to dialogue.