
US President Donald Trump
US President Donald Trump has announced a new strategy of economic pressure against Iran, signalling a shift from military confrontation toward what he described as the toughest economic measures in history.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump warned that countries and organisations helping Iran through oil smuggling, financial transfers, front companies or other means would face immediate and severe action.
The Trump administration is seeking to intensify economic pressure on Tehran over its nuclear programme, with Washington reportedly focusing on a prolonged campaign to weaken Iran’s economy rather than pursuing an immediate military escalation.
The administration has also instructed senior officials, including Jared Kushner, Vice President JD Vance and special envoy Steve Witkoff, to suspend discussions with Tehran for the time being.
Washington wants Iran to return to the negotiating table on US terms and make significant concessions before any agreement is reached.
However, analysts remain uncertain about whether the strategy will force Iran to back down. Tehran has endured decades of sanctions, raising questions over how effective a prolonged economic pressure campaign would be.
The strategy could also have wider consequences for global oil markets. Any disruption to Iranian oil exports or regional energy supplies could push up prices and create additional economic and political risks for the United States.