US Shifts Strategy in Iran Conflict, Emphasizing Economic Pressure
US President Donald Trump has announced that Washington is shifting its strategy in dealing with Iran. Instead of using military force, the US will rely on economic pressure to push Tehran towards making a deal.
'We are low-keying it,' Trump said in an Axios interview, adding that Washington is 'only semi-negotiating' with Iran while monitoring the toll the war has taken on Iran's economy.
The US has imposed sanctions and a naval blockade since April, which has deepened economic pressure on Iran. Trump credited this approach with putting Iran 'in very bad shape' financially, citing high inflation and difficulty paying its own troops.
Falling oil prices have also eased the economic impact on American consumers, according to Trump. Oil prices are now just above $75 a barrel.