President Donald Trump is returning to a sanctions-focused strategy to end the war with Iran, betting that months of bombing have weakened Iran's economy enough to force its leadership to capitulate on nuclear demands.
Trump has stated that he initiated the war with Iran after 50 years of economic pressure failed to halt its nuclear weapons ambitions. The administration now hopes that sustained bombing campaigns have pushed Iran's economy to a breaking point, compelling Iranian leadership to agree to end its nuclear program and fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz to oil and natural gas tankers.
On Monday, Trump said that since Iran is seeking compensation as part of any peace negotiations, he intends to demand the same for the United States. This statement reflects a broader pivot by the administration over the weekend to argue that Iran is approaching financial collapse.
When asked Tuesday about the economic strain the war has placed on Americans, Trump said his focus remains singular. "I don't think about Americans' financial situation. … I think about one thing — we cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon. That's all," he said.