Thursday, August 20, 2026

One Of These Things Is Just Like The Other

President Donald J. Trump has announced what he calls the "MOST CRUSHING ECONOMIC OPERATION EVER TAKEN AGAINST ANY COUNTRY," declaring a campaign of unprecedented economic warfare and isolation against Iran.

Trump said the United States will target not only Iran, but any country, financial institution, business, airport or government entity providing Iran with what he describes as a "lifeline." He specifically cited oil smuggling, financial transfers, currency exchanges, ship registries and front companies.

The announcement represents a significant shift in rhetoric from the administration's repeated public assertions over the past several months that negotiations with Iran were progressing well and a deal was close.

As recently as August 5, Trump said negotiations were "working out quite well," while on July 28 he described discussions with Iran as a "beautiful discussion" and said the door remained open to a deal.

Those statements came despite the June Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) ultimately collapsing, the 60 day negotiating window expiring without a broader agreement, and Iran and the United States remaining sharply divided over the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions and the U.S. military presence in the region.

Today's announcement therefore appears to mark another significant turn in the administration's carrot-and stick strategy toward Tehran: Trump is simultaneously declaring Iran to be on the brink of collapse while imposing substantially broader economic pressure intended to force a resolution.

Trump also reiterated that Iran will never be permitted to obtain a nuclear weapon.
Earlier: Did that make it so, too? Or is Trump just a toddler with a shotgun?
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