Trump says Iran 'collapsing' as US escalates economic pressure

President Trump has declared that Iran is "collapsing" amid an escalating campaign of US economic pressure against the Islamic Republic. The remarks came shortly after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that an "economic D-Day" operation had commenced targeting Iranian interests.

The characterisation reflects the Trump administration's hardline stance toward Tehran, building on longstanding tensions between Washington and Iran over nuclear capabilities, regional influence, and alleged support for militant groups. The timing of the dual messaging from the White House and Treasury Department underscores the coordinated nature of the economic campaign.

Bessent's invocation of military terminology in describing the economic measures signals the administration's intent to apply maximum financial pressure on Iran's economy. Such sanctions campaigns typically target the country's oil exports, banking sector, and access to international financial systems.

The escalating rhetoric comes as regional tensions remain elevated across the Middle East. Iran has previously dismissed US sanctions as ineffective, though economic isolation has historically impacted the country's ability to fund overseas activities and maintain domestic economic stability.

The administration has not detailed the specific new measures comprising the "economic D-Day" initiative, though previous rounds of US sanctions have significantly constrained Iran's ability to conduct international trade and access foreign currency reserves.