Donald Trump warns countries offering Iran a lifeline face "TREMENDOUS Economic Consequences"

President Donald Trump warned Wednesday on social media that countries providing economic help to Iran would themselves face punishment. The warning came as the Middle East conflict that began with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February remained deadlocked after two collapsed ceasefires, with shipping through the Strait of Hormuz still far below prewar levels. The United Arab Emirates had just announced it was halting all trade and financial transactions with Iran, after reported missile launches that Tehran denied. Iran’s foreign minister called Trump’s statement an attempt to distract from U.S. domestic financial troubles and described Washington’s approach as economic terrorism. Oil prices rose to three-week highs over supply concerns. Trump did not say what specific U.S. steps would follow.