Trump Declares "Most Crushing" Economic Operation Against Iran, 17 Days After Cancelling Attack to Pursue Nuclear Deal

On August 20, 2026, President Trump announced what he called the "most crushing economic operation ever taken against any country" against Iran, threatening "tremendous economic consequences" for any nation doing business with Tehran. The declaration came 17 days after Trump cancelled a planned military attack on Iran to pursue a nuclear deal. Whether that diplomatic track survives remains unclear.