Trump targets Iran's oil empire — regime faces heavy blow
The Trump administration is preparing a massive 'Economic D-Day' campaign against Iranian oil exports. The goal is to cut off not only crude sales but the entire sanctions evasion network: smuggling, barter, shadow fleet, and intermediaries in the UAE, Turkey, and Iraq. Secondary sanctions will force foreign banks to choose between Iran and access to the US financial system. Iran's Foreign Minister Araghchi called this a continuation of failed policy.
The administration of US President Donald Trump is preparing a new large-scale campaign against the Iranian regime, targeting its main source of funding — oil exports. The strategy, dubbed 'Economic D-Day,' aims to cut off not only crude sales but the entire network through which Tehran receives and transfers money in circumvention of sanctions. Strikes are planned against foreign banks, brokers, and companies servicing Iranian exports, as well as the 'shadow fleet' of tankers and related infrastructure. Particular attention is paid to intermediaries in the UAE, through which, according to the publication, a significant portion of payments for Iranian oil passes, including structures linked to the IRGC. Secondary sanctions could force foreign banks to choose between cooperation with Iran and access to the US financial system. Iran uses schemes to blend its oil with Iraqi oil and Turkish bank accounts to complicate tracking. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called the American campaign a continuation of failed pressure policy. The UAE announced a suspension of trade and financial relations with Tehran. A key question is the US willingness to target Chinese entities purchasing Iranian oil.