US Pushes to Cut Iran Off from World Economy as War Drags On

On August 24, 2026, the Trump administration launched "Operation Economic Outcast" — a campaign to cut Iran off from world trade. It targets Iran's banks, oil sales, and ability to buy weapons. The White House says it wants Iran "totally isolated." The effort follows U.S. penalties on banks in the UAE that helped Iran move money. Iran's economy is already reeling: inflation has hit 84.4%, and one U.S. dollar now trades for 2 million rials, Iran's currency.