The U.S. Has Changed Its Tactics Toward Iran — CNN
U.S. President Donald Trump has instructed officials in his administration to halt negotiations with Iran and intensify economic pressure on Tehran. According to CNN, Washington no longer expects a quick diplomatic resolution and is seeking to force Iran to agree to a deal on U.S. terms.
CNN reports this, citing U.S. government officials.
“The United States has informed its political allies of a change in strategy—the approach of ‘breaking Iran as quickly as possible’ has been replaced by the idea of ‘strangling it’ over time.” While Trump previously made repeated statements that negotiations were going well and that a new agreement was about to be concluded, the U.S. leader now says there are no diplomatic efforts underway in this regard,” CNN notes.
A source at the television network said that Trump instructed his team of negotiators with Iran—which includes his son-in-law Jared Kushner, Vice President J.D. Vance, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff— to cease engagement with Tehran.
“Although the president issued this order following ‘positive talks’ with Iran, CNN sources emphasized that Trump is frustrated by Tehran’s unwillingness to concede to his demands. Therefore, before resuming negotiations, the American leader wants to wait until the leaders of the Islamic Republic demonstrate a willingness to conclude the deal he seeks,” the publication notes.
Hardline Iranian leaders may have devised a plan to prepare for a new phase of the war. According to The Wall Street Journal, Tehran is tightening control over the military, increasing production of missiles and drones, and attempting to expand the theater of conflict.
The heavy losses of Reaper drones in the war with Iran highlight one of the main challenges of modern warfare: even an expensive, high-tech drone can quickly become vulnerable when operating against an enemy with a powerful air defense system, The Washington Post reports.
The U.S. has sufficient military resources to maintain a naval blockade of Iran indefinitely. U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hagseth stated that American ships can continuously rotate in the region, so Washington is capable of maintaining pressure on Tehran for as long as necessary.
