World · 21 August 2026

Trump orders crushing economic operation against Iran

Donald Trump has ordered what he calls a crushing economic operation against Iran, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent promising isolation on a scale never seen before and further measures in the coming days. Tehran insists the Strait of Hormuz remains under its control after Trump claimed America owns the waterway. Qatar says an Iran-Oman shipping agreement could reopen the path to talks.

By BriefTea Editorial · 21 August 2026 at 10:28

Reported by CBS News · How we write briefs

Get the app

Understand this story

What are economic sanctions? What is Qatar's role here? Where is the Strait of Hormuz? Who is Scott Bessent?

More briefs

WorldArizona desert deaths of 19 migrants last month hit a two-year record WorldFar-right party wins first lower-house seat in Western Australia WorldMasked Israeli settlers attacked homes in West Bank's Qusra on Saturday WorldCanada installs giant sign after Trump renames Lake Ontario WorldGunmen attack Niger's Niamey airport and presidential palace WorldNorway's new King Haakon remembers his father Harald V in first speech More world stories → Browse all stories →