Iran’s foreign minister calls threat of new US economic sanctions ‘desperate’ | US-Israel war on Iran
US politics | The Guardian — 2026-08-23 08:56:00 — www.theguardian.com
Donald Trump Escalates Pressure on Iran with Sweeping Sanctions and Dubious Claims
Donald Trump has launched a new campaign of economic pressure against Iran, describing it as “the most crushing economic operation ever taken against any country.” This latest move, which Trump has promoted as a historic escalation, comes amid a backdrop of mounting economic hardship and political unrest inside Iran.
Sanctions and Exaggerated Claims
Trump’s administration is expected to announce further punitive measures, which Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has called “the toughest sanctions in history.” Trump’s rhetoric has repeatedly emphasized the unprecedented nature of these actions, positioning them as a decisive blow to Iran’s economy. However, Iranian officials have dismissed the sanctions as a “desperate” tactic, insisting that previous US efforts—including military threats and blockades—have failed.
In recent days, Trump has gone further, repeatedly raising the idea of declaring the Strait of Hormuz—a vital oil shipping route—a US territory. He even shared a map on social media identifying the strait as such, a claim that has no basis in international law and has been widely criticized as fanciful.
Regional Fallout and International Response
The US campaign, dubbed Operation Economic Fury, is designed to choke off Iran’s funding through targeted sanctions and a naval blockade aimed at halting Iranian oil exports. The pressure has already led the United Arab Emirates, one of Iran’s main trading partners, to suspend all trade and financial transactions with Tehran.
Despite Trump’s efforts to rally international support, key global players like China have criticized the sanctions, arguing they will not resolve the broader conflict in the Middle East.
Iran’s Response and Warnings
Iranian leaders have responded defiantly. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called the US actions “the same old plans” and predicted they would fail. President Masoud Pezeshkian accused Trump of plunging Iran into “a full-scale economic, military and security war,” while also acknowledging the severe problems facing Iranian society, including inflation and unemployment.
Mohsen Rezaei, head of Iran’s supreme national security council, warned that Iran would target oil-shipping routes and US economic interests in the region if neighboring countries joined the US-led economic campaign.
Conclusion
Trump’s aggressive posture toward Iran is marked by sweeping claims and controversial proposals, such as the assertion of US control over the Strait of Hormuz. While the administration touts its sanctions as unparalleled, the effectiveness and legality of these measures are hotly disputed, both by Iranian officials and international observers. As tensions escalate, the region faces growing instability, with the potential for further economic and security fallout.