Netanyahu Praises Trump as US Imposes New Sanctions on Iran

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly commended US President Donald Trump on Monday evening for the newly announced sanctions against Iran. The sanctions were unveiled by US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, who declared the start of an economic campaign targeting the Iranian regime. Netanyahu stated, "You are rightly exacting a heavy price from this cruel dictatorship and those who help it continue its aggression."

Mnuchin announced live that the sanctions would take effect overnight and described them as "historic and unprecedented." This move is part of a broader strategy announced by President Trump several days earlier to launch a global economic offensive against Iran. Mnuchin named the operation "Maximum Pressure," emphasizing a harsh crackdown on Iran's economic resources and on countries and entities cooperating with Tehran.

The Treasury Secretary issued a clear ultimatum to nations maintaining economic ties with Iran: "It is time to choose a side and choose wisely, Iran or the United States. Those who choose wrongly will be cut off from the global economy and the US dollar." He also highlighted plans to target the financial channels of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, stating that the US intends to block all routes through which the Guard brings in funds. The administration aims for a "zero leakage" system to close every financial lifeline available to the regime.

These developments follow the Trump administration's intensified efforts to isolate Iran economically and curb its regional influence. Netanyahu's endorsement aligns Israel with the US stance against Iran's policies and military activities. The sanctions are expected to significantly impact Iran's economy and its international financial relations.