Trump Tries Again: Sanctions as Last Resort in War with Iran

The US and Iran are in a stalemate as President Trump has shifted his strategy to economic sanctions, hoping they will force Iran's leadership to cave to demands to end its nuclear program. This pivot comes after months of bombing have pushed Iran's economy to a breaking point, according to the president. However, experts warn that this approach may not be effective in achieving a breakthrough.

The Trump administration has been engaged in what it calls 'Operation Economic Fury' since April 16, targeting countries that buy oil from Iran or bank with it. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described this as the 'financial equivalent' of a bombing campaign. But one problem with this approach is that sanctions are unable to bite as quickly as the impact of the largely shuttered Strait of Hormuz.

Richard Nephew, a senior research scholar at Columbia University who helped direct Iran sanctions strategy in the Obama administration, said that Trump has not articulated clear strategic goals for the war. 'Economic pressure is a possible element in his strategy, but he's yet to explain the purpose,' Nephew stated.

Meanwhile, Juan Zarate, a deputy national security adviser in the George W. Bush administration, argued that sanctions and the ongoing US naval blockade of Iranian ports give the US economic and financial leverage. However, Zarate cautioned that these efforts take time and may not be enough to change Iran's behavior.