US readies Iran penalties as Trump downplays midterms impact
The US is readying unprecedented economic measures against Iran, as President Donald Trump seeks to intensify efforts to force Tehran to capitulate after almost six months of war. The president said in a brief interview with Fox News that the US was planning to hit Iran’s economy hard, and that he did not care if the conflict were to end before the November US midterm elections, which would hinge…
The United States is preparing unprecedented economic sanctions against Iran in an effort to compel Tehran to negotiate a lasting peace agreement after nearly six months of conflict. President Donald Trump stated in an interview with Fox News that the US intended to impose significant economic pressure on Iran, regardless of whether the war ends before the November midterm elections.
The ongoing war has caused a spike in oil and petrol prices. Despite talks aimed at achieving peace remaining stalled and intermittent clashes continuing, disrupting oil and commodity flow through the Strait of Hormuz, Iran maintains control over the waterway. At a recent speech in Long Island, Trump boasted about the US blockade of Iranian ports, claiming it serves as a "wall of steel" that effectively governs the waterway.
However, Iran asserts its control over the strait, with Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent hinting at more extensive economic measures against Iran. Despite Iran's economy suffering due to the US blockade, it has resisted giving in to US demands regarding its nuclear program and strait control. Trump's administration has been pushing for economic pressure on Iran, citing mounting domestic opposition to the military campaign.
The US has imposed thousands of sanctions on Iran since 2018, but analysts doubt that additional pressure will alter Tehran's stance, as sanctions have not previously changed Iran's behavior. Iran has organized its military for potential aggression abroad, indicating its readiness for a prolonged period of regional conflict. The Strait of Hormuz remains a contentious issue, with both sides claiming control and demanding concessions that seem unlikely to be met.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
