President Donald Trump is shifting his focus back to economic pressure as he struggles to find a clear solution to end the war with Iran. After his plans to conclude the conflict through the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz were thwarted by Iran's hardline demands, he is now prioritizing sanctions and maritime blockades to tighten Iran's financial resources.
Economic Pressure Instead of Airstrikes... Trump Says, 'Iran Has No Money'
On August 9, Axios reported that President Trump stated regarding the Iran issue, "We are low keying it" and added, "We are only negotiating with them in a limited way." He noted, "Iran is suffering from massive inflation and is in a dire financial situation," asserting that "the U.S. maritime blockade is worsening Iran's economic troubles."
In this interview, he did not mention the possibility of new military strikes. Axios interpreted that President Trump is prepared to intensify economic pressure rather than conduct additional airstrikes, although the U.S. is still keeping the option of further military action open.
Seeking an End to the War Without a Nuclear Deal... Strait of Hormuz Negotiations Stalled
Trump's renewed emphasis on economic pressure comes as a breakthrough to end the war seems elusive. The U.S. has prioritized preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons, but as the conflict drags on, it has recently focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Trump recently mentioned to his aides that if the Strait of Hormuz is fully reopened, he would consider ending the war even without a nuclear agreement. This indicates a willingness to exit the prolonged conflict without waiting for a final resolution on nuclear issues.
However, negotiations regarding the Strait of Hormuz, which appeared close to resolution, have become complicated again. Iran has stated that negotiations to establish new shipping routes between Oman and the Strait are in the final stages, but it maintains that agreeing on new routes is separate from fully reopening the Strait.
Iran is demanding that the U.S. end the war, lift the maritime blockade, withdraw U.S. troops from the region, lift sanctions against Iran, return frozen assets, and provide compensation for war damages as conditions for complete reopening. These are conditions that would be difficult for President Trump to accept.
The Wall Street Journal noted, "Iran's hardline demands have further narrowed the options for President Trump to exit the war." Gregory Brew, an Iran expert at Eurasia Group, analyzed that Iran is taking a hardline stance in negotiations, believing that Trump wants to exit the war and reopen the Strait.
Challenges of Renewed Strikes Amid Weapon and Oil Price Concerns
However, launching large-scale airstrikes again is not an easy option. Concerns are growing over the depletion of U.S. precision strike weapons and missile defense systems due to prolonged military operations against Iran. If attacks escalate, tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz could rise again, potentially driving up international oil prices.
In the Axios interview, Trump emphasized that oil prices have fallen slightly above $75 per barrel, stating, "American consumers are feeling less burdened by the war." However, as negotiations for reopening the Strait have become uncertain again, international oil prices have rebounded, with Brent crude exceeding $84 per barrel in Asian markets on August 10.
With the midterm elections approaching in November, worsening public opinion is also a concern. A recent Reuters-Ipsos poll found that only 35% supported the war with Iran. In surveys asking which party would better handle issues of war, foreign conflicts, and terrorism, the Republican Party's previous advantage has virtually disappeared.
Shifting Focus to 'Tightening the Purse Strings'... Renewed Emphasis on Economic Pressure
Faced with limited military and diplomatic options, the Trump administration is ultimately reinforcing its strategy of economic pressure through sanctions and maritime blockades. While no specific new sanctions have been announced, the strategy aims to complicate Iran's oil exports and foreign currency acquisition to extract concessions in negotiations.
The Trump administration has already expanded sanctions targeting Iran's oil trade, financial and shipping networks, and arms procurement through its "maximum pressure" policy. Axios reported that within the U.S. government, there is a belief that even if sanctions and blockades take time to show effects, they could significantly impact Iran's economy in the long run.
Trump's repeated emphasis on Iran's inflation and financial difficulties suggests a belief that continued economic pressure will eventually lead Iran to make concessions. He likened the current situation to a "chess game," stating, "In the end, it will be resolved well."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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