What happened (Trump’s economic pressure pledge and Iran’s response)
U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States would launch what he called the “most severe economic operation” against any country and any business that supports Iran’s “lifelines.” Trump warned of major financial consequences for governments or businesses that provide support to Iranian entities.
Iran’s foreign minister dismissed Trump’s proposal. Iran’s foreign minister described the proposal as a continuation of failed U.S. policies and warned that it would deepen American setbacks while harming the global economy and states’ sovereignty.
Background (stalled U.S.-Iran conflict, Strait of Hormuz, and naval counter-blockade)
The U.S.-Iran conflict was described as stalled since February, with peace talks at a standstill.
Iran kept the Strait of Hormuz effectively shut, and the United States continued a naval counter-blockade.
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