---

Last Updated on August 24, 2026.

Washington – In response to Secretary Bessent outlining the Trump administration’s “economic D-Day” against Iran, Win Without War Deputy Director Shayna Lewis released the following statement:

“Six months into a disastrous and illegal war that has failed to deliver on any of President Trump’s promises, he’s reaching back for another failed policy: a return to the ‘maximum pressure’ campaign of his first term, this time with even riskier policies and, tragically, even more suffering.

“We already know how this story ends. Trump’s first maximum pressure campaign devastated the lives of ordinary Iranians while failing to produce a better nuclear agreement or a more peaceful Iranian government. Instead, Iran’s government eventually expanded its nuclear activities and strengthened its repressive grip. Doubling down on economic warfare now will once again force ordinary people to absorb the pain while giving Iran’s government every incentive to dig in and lash out.

“Today, Treasury Secretary Bessent himself affirmed that following through on his wild threats could ‘blow up the global financial system.’ Even just threatening massive secondary sanctions on countries that economically engage with Iran risks exacerbating the cost of living crisis that Trump’s war ignited globally. This plan likewise offers no relief to people in the United States struggling amidst record inflation and gas prices.  

“The Iranian people have already spent years being invoked by the Trump administration to justify policies that have only made their lives harder. Trump would only rinse and repeat this failed strategy to negatively impact millions more. Congress must step in and ensure that the U.S. fully commits to diplomacy instead — the only durable path to end this war and the pain it’s caused.”

###

Win Without War is a diverse network of activists and national organizations working for progressive foreign policy in the United States.

August 24, 2026