Recent reports indicate that while President Trump's economic measures against Iran have attracted less public attention than military strikes, senior US officials believe sanctions will inflict more profound long-term damage on the Tehran regime. Intelligence suggests Iran's economic crisis is intensifying, with gasoline shortages now emerging even in this oil-rich nation. US sources reveal that while Iran hopes to halt the bombings, its more urgent priority is actually securing funding.

Following consecutive days of military action, the US has paused strikes. Trump stated that Tehran is interested in talks, though Iran's Foreign Ministry has denied this. Currently, both sides are engaging through mediators including Oman, Qatar, and Pakistan, attempting to convert the ceasefire window into a long-term agreement. One core negotiation topic involves a management plan for the Strait of Hormuz, proposed to draw on the Malacca Strait model, granting Iran and Oman certain management rights and shared revenue. There are internal divisions within Iran on this matter, with some supporting and others opposing.

In negotiations, Iran seeks guarantees against future US attacks, the unfreezing of blocked assets, and the lifting of sanctions. Trump remains cautious, unwilling to reward Iran for previous disruptions to shipping, and demands the handover of remaining nuclear materials. The US acknowledges that compared to bombing, sanctions and blockades take effect more slowly, but this could pose political risks for the Republican Party in midterm elections, especially regarding potentially rising gasoline prices.

Insiders reveal that in contacts with former US negotiation representatives, Iran clearly identified access to funding channels as a core demand, even showing an urgent need for cash assistance. The Trump administration has restarted its maximum pressure policy, imposing sanctions on over a thousand individuals and entities, covering oil trade, shadow banking, and shipping systems. Additional information shows Trump paused bombing not only to leave room for diplomacy but also due to weapon inventory pressure in the region, particularly regarding stockpiles of air defense interceptors. Facing the media recently, Trump stated he has much patience, while Iran faces bank run risks due to financial pressure and sanctions, fearing the US Treasury even more than the Pentagon.