Iran scrambles to sustain trade as US threatens to sanction countries that refuse to break ties

Iran's economy faces mounting instability as the Trump administration threatens secondary sanctions against any nation that continues financial dealings with Tehran. The impending measures compound existing pressures on the Iranian economy, which is already struggling with high inflation, historical Western sanctions, and a war that has sharply depleted oil revenues.

The renewed U.S. pressure aims to completely sever Iran's remaining international trade ties and options. Analysts describe the coercive strategy as an 'economic D-Day' that steadily narrows Tehran's choices, raising concerns that the mounting economic squeeze could ultimately drive the Iranian leadership to view escalation as a necessity.