Iran Rejects Trump's Economic D-Day Threat as U.S. Sanctions 10 Hezbollah Couriers
Updated
Updated · CBS New York · Aug 20
Iran Rejects Trump's Economic D-Day Threat as U.S. Sanctions 10 Hezbollah Couriers
3 articles · Updated · CBS New York · Aug 20
Summary
Iran on Thursday called Trump's "economic D-Day" threat a failed diversion, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi saying tougher U.S. pressure would only deepen Washington's defeat and alienate Iranians.
10 people accused of moving millions of dollars in cash to Hezbollah were newly sanctioned by the U.S., as Vice President JD Vance said the war had entered a "new phase" centered on economic pressure.
67 ships have now been redirected under the revived U.S. Strait of Hormuz blockade, and the USS George Washington arrived to join operations as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent promised the toughest sanctions in history.
$93 Brent crude and broader market losses underscored the economic fallout, even as Bessent argued maximum pressure reduces the risk of a large-scale renewed war and urged China to "get with the program."
$4.5 billion in approved U.S. refueling aircraft sales to Qatar and Oman's call for diplomacy highlighted how Washington's pressure campaign is widening across regional security and shipping.