Trump announces toughest economic crackdown on Iran to date

BAGHDAD, Iraq — U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that the United States has launched its toughest economic operation against Iran to date. He warned that any country supporting Iran through financial institutions, companies or airports would face heavy consequences. The president called on U.S. allies to act together to isolate and defeat what he described as the Iranian threat. He said Iran had been given more than enough opportunity to reach an agreement, but that opportunity had been squandered, adding that Iran's currency is losing value and is on the verge of collapse. Trump also stressed the need to halt oil smuggling, cash transfers and front companies that support Tehran. He argued that Iran's most extreme factions are on the brink of collapse and that the steps being taken would eliminate them. No further operational details or implementation timelines were provided in his remarks.