US President Donald Trump warned that countries providing assistance to Iran or conducting trade with it would face “severe economic consequences.” He issued the warning in a Truth Social post on Wednesday, according to the report published on August 20, 2026. Trump said he was launching the “most stringent economic measures” against Iran, without detailing the measures or naming any countries.

Trump said banks, businesses, airports and government entities in any country that offer Iran financial or commercial support would face strict US penalties. The announcement came as the US war with Iran has approached six months, with no immediate diplomatic solution in sight. Shipping through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz has also been heavily disrupted.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had previously said Washington would take tougher action to economically isolate Iran. The report says Russia is accused of providing Iran military assistance and drone technology, while China has continued buying Iranian oil and maintaining trade ties. Trump claimed Iran’s navy and air force had been extensively destroyed, but said talks could resume if Iran is prevented from developing nuclear weapons.