Trump claims Iran's military unpaid amid protests, calls crisis 'epic proportions'

President Donald Trump claimed Tuesday that Iran is facing a deepening financial crisis, alleging the government cannot pay "large segments" of its military while killing protesters, describing it as a humanitarian crisis of "epic proportions" that "must be stopped, NOW." Trump made the unsubstantiated claims in a Truth Social post, offering no evidence for the military payment issues or alleged killings. The remarks follow his Monday assertion that Iran is "completely collapsing" amid intensified US economic pressure, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announcing "Operation Economic Outcast" to sever Iran's financial networks. The Treasury campaign targets oil revenue and expands sanctions to include digital assets, technology, and shipping. Bessent said Iran faces a choice between "complete global isolation" or rejoining the global economy, while Washington pursues "quiet diplomacy" with countries maintaining economic ties to Tehran.