WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump appears to be placing greater emphasis on economic pressure against Iran while keeping open the possibility of further military action.
Trump told Axios that the United States was currently “low-keying it” and was only partially engaged in negotiations with Tehran. He said Washington was closely watching Iran’s economic situation, particularly its inflation and financial difficulties.
The president has continued to warn that military action remains an option. However, his recent comments suggest that sanctions and economic restrictions are currently at the centre of his strategy.
Trump claims Iran is facing severe economic pressure
Trump said Iran was “totally broke” and claimed that the country was struggling to pay its soldiers.
He has also repeatedly claimed that Iran’s inflation rate has exceeded 300 percent. The figures cited by Trump have not been independently established in the report, but his administration has continued to argue that sanctions are placing significant pressure on Tehran.
The US president also said there was no immediate need for further action because Washington had “total control” of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important maritime routes for oil shipments.
The strategic waterway has become a major flashpoint during the ongoing conflict because disruption there could affect global energy supplies and prices.
Iran’s economy under sanctions
Iran has faced extensive US sanctions for years, restricting its ability to sell oil, access international financial systems and use overseas assets.
Michael O’Hanlon of the Brookings Institution said Iran’s economy was under considerable pressure, arguing that the country was struggling to export oil at meaningful levels while remaining subject to sanctions and restrictions on its foreign assets.
However, he questioned whether economic hardship alone would force Iran’s leadership to change course.
Iran has previously managed to operate under US sanctions for extended periods, although the restrictions have imposed significant economic costs.
Washington considers tougher measures
The Trump administration has already introduced additional measures targeting Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a powerful military and political organisation.
Reports in the US media suggest that Trump’s advisers have presented him with information abo ut the effects of existing sanctions. The president is now reportedly considering additional restrictions as part of the broader pressure campaign against Tehran.
The apparent shift represents a change in emphasis for Trump, who previously issued increasingly severe warnings about possible military action against Iran.
Trump demands Iran pay compensation for ‘50 years of damage’
Iran calls sanctions a retreat
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei criticised Washington’s renewed focus on sanctions, arguing that Tehran had endured American economic restrictions for decades.
Baqaei described the latest push for sanctions as a sign of retreat from diplomacy, saying Washington turns to sanctions when it believes diplomatic options are failing.
Iran’s government has repeatedly rejected the idea that economic pressure alone can force it to accept US demands.
Military options remain uncertain
Trump’s decision to emphasise economic pressure may also reflect the limitations of continued military action.
US media reports have raised questions about American ammunition and weapons stockpiles following months of military operations. Any decision to launch further strikes would therefore carry military, political and economic consequences.
For now, Trump appears to be keeping both diplomacy and military action available while increasing economic pressure.
The US president compared the confrontation with Iran to a game of chess, suggesting that Washington is assessing Tehran’s moves before deciding its next step.
Whether the strategy of sanctions and economic pressure can produce a diplomatic breakthrough remains uncertain. For the moment, however, Washington appears to be betting that Iran’s growing economic difficulties could eventually push Tehran towards an agreement.
