From NPR · · 3m
Trump shifts Iran strategy to status quo
Nine months into war with Iran, Trump abandons quick strikes and embraces economic pressure as his political position weakens.
In brief
Nine months into war with Iran, Trump abandons quick strikes and embraces economic pressure as his political position weakens. Trump is abandoning threats of military strikes on Iran and instead maintaining economic pressure through sanctions and blockades as his political leverage erodes. Originally reported by NPR.
Trump abandons deal talk with Iran
President Trump said Thursday the U.S. does not need a deal with Iran because America has billions of Iran's dollars frozen in overseas accounts.
“We don't need a deal with Iran. Those days have long since passed. We've got their money.”
Trump's political position weakens at home
Trump's party lost its majority in Congress in midterm elections. Vice President Vance blamed Republican losses on the unpopular war with Iran.
Netanyahu faces ouster in Israeli elections
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whom Trump supported, is on the cusp of being ousted from power after elections there.
Gulf allies prefer keeping status quo
Trump met Qatar's prime minister at the White House this week. Gulf Arab allies prefer the status quo of continued economic pressure on Iran.
Iran still controls Strait of Hormuz
Iran enforces new rules requiring permission to navigate the Strait of Hormuz. Official Iranian accounts post videos of attacks on ships violating these rules.
Gulf economies shrink despite higher oil prices
The International Monetary Fund says Gulf Arab states are in economic recession. Kuwait, Qatar and Iraq's economies are contracting approximately sixteen percent this year.
U.S. sends third aircraft carrier to region
The U.S. is sending a third aircraft carrier with thousands of troops to the region, leaving open the possibility of another planned military escalation.
Iran's oil revenue cut by twenty five billion
A U.S. naval blockade bars Iranian ships from transporting oil to countries like China. The blockade has cut Iran off from at least twenty five billion dollars in revenue.
UAE severs all trade ties with Iran
The United Arab Emirates announced over the summer it was severing all economic and trade ties with Iran, dealing a major blow to Iran's economy.
Yemen war intensifies with regional involvement
Saudi Arabia and the Houthis have resumed all-out war in Yemen. Pakistan, Turkey and Egypt are entering the fray with defensive support to Saudi Arabia.
Houthis kill nearly sixty in weekend airstrikes
The Houthis say Saudi airstrikes across Yemen killed nearly sixty people this past weekend, many of them women and children in a village near Sana'a.
Iran demands seven conditions before nuclear talks
Iran says it will only enter direct talks over its nuclear program if seven demands are met, including lifting sanctions and unfreezing dollars in overseas accounts.
“The message has been only one thing. These seven items are on the table. Take it or leave it.”
Here's the gist
Trump is abandoning threats of military strikes on Iran and instead maintaining economic pressure through sanctions and blockades as his political leverage erodes.
