Trump Administration Shifts to Economic Pressure on Iran as Military Campaign Stalls

The Trump administration is pivoting to economic warfare against Iran after its military campaign has failed to force Tehran's capitulation. The strategy, dubbed 'Operation Economic Fury' and led by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, includes a sustained naval blockade, additional sanctions, and measures to hinder Iran's oil sales. This approach mirrors the 'maximum pressure' campaign of Trump's first term, which did not achieve the desired outcome before 2020, but officials argue it will succeed this time. US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz stated on Fox News that the operation is 'devastating the Iranian economy,' and that Iranians fear Bessent more than Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. President Trump told Axios that he is 'low-keying it' with Iran, citing the country's huge inflation and lack of money. Bessent echoed this on Fox, saying 'the government is causing the people to suffer, and we're going to keep pressing.' The administration faces a shortfall of munitions and an unpopular war, prompting a return to economic pressure as a primary tool.