Trump Changes the Rules of the Iran Conflict: From 'Hammer' to 'Slow Strangulation' - What's Changed?

After months of conflict that did not yield the desired outcome, it appears that U.S. President Donald Trump has decided to change the game with Iran: no more chasing a quick agreement, and no immediate rush towards greater military escalation. The new strategy is cooler and longer: leaving Tehran under pressure until it comes to the table.

The shift became clear when Trump ordered his team to halt communications with the Iranians, effectively putting a stop - for now - to a diplomatic path that involved his Vice President J.D. Vance, envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner.

According to American network CNN, sources indicated that the decision came despite previously positive communications, but Tehran did not make the concessions Washington was expecting.

The new American approach appears different: instead of seeking a strike or a deal to quickly end the crisis, the White House is more prepared to let economic and military pressures accumulate on Iran over time.

Hormuz: The Unresolved Knot
However, stepping away from the negotiation table does not mean the crisis is over; the Strait of Hormuz has become central to the dilemma, with ongoing restrictions on ship movements through this vital passage, while Washington insists on returning it to its pre-war status, without fees or arrangements that grant Iran greater control over navigation.

American network sources reported that Trump is uneasy with proposed understandings between Muscat and Tehran to regulate passage through the strait, especially if it involves collecting fees from ships.

Sources also spoke to the network about concerns within the U.S. administration that such an arrangement could solidify Iranian influence over one of the world's most important energy and trade arteries.

Instead of Bombs... Sanctions Await Tehran
Washington is preparing for more economic pressures and sanctions, betting that continued financial attrition will eventually push the Iranian leadership to make concessions. However, Tehran is betting on the exact opposite scenario: that time will be Trump's adversary, not his ally.

After about six months of conflict, questions are growing within the United States about the cost of prolonged military deployment, pressure on forces and ships, and ammunition stocks, alongside political voices calling for an exit from the confrontation.

CNN reported that within the U.S. administration, some believe that maintaining pressure for a longer period may be more effective than a quick return to negotiations, while Iran bets that political and military pressures will increase on Trump as the conflict continues.

It seems both parties are betting on time, as the U.S. President hopes economic pressure will cause Tehran to back down, while Iran bets that prolonging the conflict will increase pressures on Washington and exhaust its willingness to continue.

Yet, Trump, despite trying to distance himself slightly from the confrontation's details, has not shied away from messages of strength, having posted a map of the Strait of Hormuz labeled "American territory," in a gesture that seemed more like a threat than a move towards calm.

In other words, Trump wants to reduce his direct involvement in the conflict, but he does not want this to be understood as a retreat in front of Tehran.