U.S. Vice President JD Vance emphasized on Thursday that intensifying economic pressure on Iran is the most effective way to weaken it, after neutralizing its military capabilities.
Vance, in press statements, noted that heightening economic pressure would alter Iran’s calculations towards striking a deal and force it to choose between economic suffocation or establishing normal relations with the international community.
Concerning the Strait of Hormuz, Vance stated that America has secured large oil shipments and dismantled Iran’s control over the strait.
He added that the U.S. will ensure the flow of more oil shipments to prevent Iran from using the strait as a weapon.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Pissent told CNBC that economic pressure would limit Iran's ability to mobilize proxies and pay its military salaries.
Pissent also confirmed that Washington will take punitive measures against countries continuing business with Iran, emphasizing that it is time for Washington's allies to declare their positions.
Conversely, the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the new U.S. economic and trade sanctions, describing them as direct attacks on the Iranian people, amounting to economic terrorism and crimes against humanity, according to a ministry statement.
The ministry clarified that Washington persists with a proven ineffective strategy, noting that the policy of sanctions has failed and will bring adverse effects on the U.S. itself, as stated in the text.
President Donald Trump announced via radio statements that Iran and its leaders have been decisively undermined and its missile production capability has become very limited.
Trump also indicated that Iran now possesses drones, but their numbers are significantly reduced compared to five months ago, and it is currently difficult for the nation to rebuild capabilities or achieve anything substantial.
Trump confirmed he had no choice but to strike Iran, asserting it is currently in a dire situation.