President Trump turns to a dual economic and military approach in latest attempt to squeeze Iran

Associated Press reporters Samy Magdy and Farnoush Amiri report that the Trump administration is struggling to find an end to the more than six-month conflict with Iran. Despite extensive sanctions and repeated military strikes, Iran has not backed down, and the administration is now relying on a combination of economic pressure and the continued threat of military force. Rising energy prices, disruptions to global trade and declining public approval are increasing political pressure ahead of the midterm elections.

The administration recently launched “Operation Economic Outcast” to further isolate Iran economically, but the effort has had limited impact so far. Experts say meaningful pressure would require targeting Iran’s major trading partners, including China, India and Russia, which could create additional diplomatic complications for the United States.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a major point of tension. Shipping traffic is still far below prewar levels, despite White House claims that the waterway is open and under control. Iran continues to use its influence over shipping in the region as leverage, contributing to pressure on global oil and energy markets.

Inside Iran, there are divisions between officials who favor negotiations and hardliners who support continued confrontation. Analysts quoted by the AP say the conflict has become a battle of endurance, with neither Washington nor Tehran willing to appear to be the side that gives in first. Domestic politics are making compromise even harder for both governments.

Overall, the report shows that neither sanctions nor military action has yet produced a clear path toward ending the conflict, leaving both sides locked in a prolonged political, economic and military standoff.

The article was written by Samy Magdy and Farnoush Amiri, with contributions from AP writers Will Weissert and David McHugh.