Trump pivots back to sanctions for Iran as other strategies to end his war fizzle

The Trump administration is re-emphasizing sanctions as a primary tool to pressure Iran, signaling a pivot away from other strategies that have yielded limited results. This move comes at a time when U.S. reserves of critical weaponry have diminished, and intermittent negotiations with Iran appear to have reached another impasse.

Despite the stalled diplomatic efforts and dwindling military resources, President Trump remains confident that the imposition of economic sanctions can still compel Iran to alter its behavior and potentially lead to a "breakthrough." The administration's renewed focus on sanctions suggests a belief that maximum pressure can force concessions, even as other avenues have proven difficult.

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The shift comes as U.S. stockpiles of key weapons have dwindled and as stop-start talks seem again to have stalled.

The decision to lean back on sanctions highlights the administration's persistent approach to Iran, seeking to isolate the country economically and curb its influence in the region. The effectiveness of this strategy, however, remains a subject of ongoing debate, particularly given the complex geopolitical landscape and Iran's own resilience.

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But Trump insists the pressure can lead to a breakthrough.