Trump Shifts to Economic Pressure on Iran as 23-Week War Drains U.S. and Disrupts Hormuz
Updated
Updated · Al Jazeera English · Aug 9
Trump Shifts to Economic Pressure on Iran as 23-Week War Drains U.S. and Disrupts Hormuz
3 articles · Updated · Al Jazeera English · Aug 9
Summary
Trump said he is "low-keying" the Iran conflict and now prefers economic pressure to the catastrophic strikes he threatened last week, arguing Tehran is financially weakened and oil near $78 has softened the war's hit to U.S. consumers.
Since mid-April, the U.S. naval blockade has targeted Iran's roughly 1.5 million barrels-a-day oil trade; CENTCOM said Saturday it redirected 53 commercial vessels, boarded two and disabled two others, while Iranian authorities report near-zero crude exports.
The strategy shift comes as reports point to strained U.S. munitions stockpiles and as the war remains unpopular at home, with only 35% of Americans approving and Democrats leading Republicans 37% to 36% on handling war and terrorism.
Negotiations remain murky: Trump said Washington is only "semi-negotiating," Tehran denies direct talks, and Iran and Oman say they are close to a Strait of Hormuz management deal central to any broader ceasefire.
Analysts doubt sanctions and blockade alone will force concessions, especially after U.S. and Israeli war aims have narrowed since February and a June 17 memorandum to reopen Hormuz collapsed within days.