Trump threatens sweeping economic campaign against Iran

President Donald Trump has threatened what he described as an unprecedented economic campaign against Iran, after abandoning efforts to bring Tehran back to nuclear negotiations.

According to CNN, Trump’s team has told political allies that he is preparing for a prolonged economic war aimed at destroying Iran’s economy and forcing the regime to capitulate. Trump has also warned countries against supporting Tehran through oil smuggling, financial transfers, front companies and other sanctions-evasion networks.

Analysts doubt that the strategy will succeed. 

Daniel Citrinowicz, a former Israeli intelligence official, said there was no sign that Iran was changing course and argued that even severe economic pressure was unlikely to alter Tehran’s calculations.

The plan would require months or years of sustained pressure, as well as extensive co-operation from allies across the Gulf, Europe and Asia. But Trump has strained relations with several partners, including Oman, while sanctions against Chinese banks involved in Iranian oil transactions could complicate his planned September meeting with President Xi Jinping.

Iran also has incentives to prolong the conflict, particularly ahead of the US midterm elections.

Further attacks on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz could raise fuel and food prices for American voters, while leaving Trump politically exposed whether he responds militarily or holds back.

Despite the president’s latest threat, CNN reported that no clear endgame to the war is yet in sight.