Donald Trump says “IRAN IS COMPLETELY COLLAPSING!!!” as US readies harsher penalties on Iran

Donald Trump took to social media on Monday to describe Iran as being in an outright catastrophe, hours before his administration was set to unveil harsher economic penalties against Tehran. The remark accompanied the rial’s record fall to about 2.02 million per dollar, alongside sharply higher food costs and an IMF forecast of more than 5 percent economic contraction since the U.S.-Israeli offensive began on February 28. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent claimed in a published opinion piece that Trump had destroyed Iran’s economy. Economic pressure has not yet triggered political change, and Tehran still hampers shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, adding strain on Trump with congressional elections approaching. The UAE suspended commerce with Iran, while Pakistan dispatched negotiators to discuss ending the conflict. Iranian officials cautioned that further escalation would produce consequences.