Trump tries a new approach in Iran war: Disengage - CNN
President Donald Trump has adopted a new strategy towards Iran, instructing his administration's envoys to halt conversations and shifting from an immediate confrontation to a long-term 'strangle them' approach. He publicly stated that no diplomacy is underway, despite ongoing issues in the Strait of Hormuz and previous claims of progress.
Why it matters
This policy reversal signals a significant shift in US foreign policy towards Iran, moving away from direct engagement and potentially leading to prolonged economic pressure, with major implications for regional stability and global energy markets.
For weeks, President Donald Trump has tried willing positive developments with Iran into existence, without much success. On Tuesday, he seemed to adopt a new approach. Trump told top administration envoys to halt their conversations with Iran, according to a US official. Additionally, White House officials have recently communicated to political allies that they are shifting their strategy — going from “hammer Iran ASAP” to “strangle them” over time, according to a source familiar with the matter. And instead of claiming talks were proceeding well, and that a new deal was just around the corner — as he’s asserted repeatedly since the ceasefire signed in June fell apart — Trump announced there was no diplomacy underway whatsoever. “There are no talks or conversations going on, or scheduled, with the Islamic Republic of Iran,” he wrote on social media. “The Naval Blockade remains in full force and effect.
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