Capitals, Aug. 20 (SANA) U.S. President Donald Trump announced sweeping economic measures against Iran, as Saudi Arabia and Qatar backed diplomatic efforts to reduce regional tensions.
In a Truth Social post, Trump described the measures as the “most crushing economic operation” against Iran and said Tehran would face “economic warfare and isolation on an unprecedented scale” after, he said, failing to seize an opportunity to reach a deal with Washington.
Trump warned that any country allowing its financial institutions, businesses, airports or government entities to provide any type of support to Iran would face “tremendous economic consequences.”
He called for an end to oil smuggling, swap lines, cash transfers, exchange houses, ship registries and front companies, describing the campaign as an “ECONOMIC D-DAY” and calling on U.S. allies to support efforts to isolate Iran.
Trump said the measures were intended to isolate Iran and cripple its ability to continue its activities, reiterating that Iran “will never possess a nuclear weapon.”
A 60-day deadline stipulated in a U.S.-Iranian memorandum of understanding signed June 17 expired August 17. The memorandum was intended to pave the way for a broader agreement to end the war between the two countries, address Iran’s nuclear program and reopen the Strait of Hormuz to maritime traffic.
Meanwhile, Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani discussed regional developments and diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions in Riyadh Wednesday.
The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said the two sides stressed continued coordination and consultation to contain tensions and strengthen regional security and stability.
They also backed Qatari and Pakistani mediation efforts aimed at resolving U.S.-Iranian differences through diplomatic means and stressed the need for continued joint action to ensure security, safety and freedom of navigation through the region’s vital maritime corridors.
N.J/M.F
