Trump Dials Up Economic Pressure on Iran in Bid to End Conflict

US President Donald Trump has shifted his strategy for dealing with Iran, opting to increase economic pressure on the country in an attempt to bring a swift end to their ongoing conflict.

This move marks a pivot back to sanctions, which Trump had previously criticized past presidents for using. He claims that Iran's economy is now on the brink of collapse, citing high inflation rates and a dwindling oil supply.

Trump's administration has engaged in what it calls Operation Economic Fury since April 16, which includes targeting countries that buy oil from Iran or bank with them. However, experts argue that this approach may not be as effective as the impact of the shuttered Strait of Hormuz.

While some see the sanctions as a viable tool for putting pressure on Iran, others are skeptical about their effectiveness in bringing a quick end to the conflict. Richard Nephew, a senior research scholar at Columbia University who helped direct Iran sanctions strategy in the Obama administration, notes that 'economic pressure is a possible element in his strategy, but he's yet to explain the purpose.'