Trump Expands Iran Sanctions and Pressure

President Trump described an unprecedented push to cripple Iran’s economy, branding it the most crushing sanctions in history and linking it to a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. The plan expands to secondary sanctions on any country aiding Tehran and includes broader efforts to disrupt networks such as Hezbollah, with officials signaling more details in a forthcoming briefing. The administration is pressuring allies and China to cut economic ties, urging partners to choose sides as it seeks to 'collapse' the regime. Iran and its allies reject the strategy, calling it economic terrorism and warning of damage to the global economy. Analysts say the measures could worsen hardship for ordinary Iranians and may not quickly force concessions. The campaign aims to maintain pressure while avoiding a return to overt military action, as the U.S. seeks a political settlement.