President Donald Trump says Iran has been badly weakened economically and militarily, while maintaining that the United States will not launch new attacks before the Nov. 3 midterm elections. The blockade of Iranian ports remains in place, and Trump says oil continues to move through the Strait of Hormuz in large volumes.
The conflict has lasted more than seven months and disrupted shipping through the Strait, a critical route for global energy supplies. The United States has sought to reduce Iran’s oil revenue through the blockade, while Iran has continued military pressure on shipping; more than nine vessels were hit in one week in October.
The economic campaign has sharply reduced Iran’s exports but has not produced a return to negotiations on Washington’s terms. International flights to and from Iran also continue despite U.S.
The pressure is also reaching the United States.
Trump’s pause on major attacks followed preparations by U.S. Central Command for a possible resumption of combat operations, including potential strikes on Iranian energy, infrastructure and nuclear targets. He has said the United States and Iran are having productive discussions, but the main differences between them remain unresolved and Iranian officials have not moderated their demands.
The immediate policy is therefore a combination of economic pressure, maritime enforcement and continued military readiness. Trump has said the campaign is intended to push Tehran back to negotiations after the elections, while the blockade and Iranian attacks on shipping continue to keep the conflict tied to energy markets and regional security.