Trump warns Iran is “collapsing” and pushes new sanctions as the conflict drags on.
Washington is shifting focus from military moves to tighter economic pressure. Trump posted that Iran is “completely collapsing,” while Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called the new measures an “economic D-Day” and threatened to label countries still helping Tehran as global pariahs.
Iran dismissed the sanctions as proof the US has failed militarily. It warned other nations against cooperating with Washington and accused the US of admitting defeat by turning to financial warfare instead of direct action.
The standoff has hit Iran’s oil exports hard. Shipments through the Strait of Hormuz have dropped sharply since the war began. Tehran continues to keep the waterway closed, raising global energy prices and adding pressure on the US ahead of mid-term elections.
For ordinary Iranians, the latest sanctions are expected to worsen an already difficult economic situation marked by high inflation and past protests.
Diplomatic efforts continue in the background. Pakistan’s army chief recently visited Iran, and Oman’s foreign minister is due there this week as both countries try to revive talks on easing tensions over the Strait of Hormuz.
