Trump pivots back to sanctions for Iran as other strategies to end his war fizzle
President Trump is shifting his strategy toward Iran by intensifying economic sanctions, claiming the nation is on the verge of financial collapse. Despite ongoing military tensions and stalled peace talks, the administration is betting that economic pressure will force Iran to concede on nuclear ambitions and maritime access.
Why it matters
The pivot back to economic warfare highlights the limitations of military engagement and the potential for global energy market volatility due to the Strait of Hormuz conflict.
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump likes to say that he started his war with Iran after 50 years of economic pressure had failed to stop its nuclear weapons ambitions — but he's now betting that another financial squeeze can bring an end to that war.
The Trump administration is hoping that months of bombing have pushed Iran's economy to a breaking point that will force its leadership to cave to demands to end its nuclear program and fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz to oil and natural gas tankers.
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