Trump Pivots Back to Sanctions for Iran as Other Strategies to End the War Fizzle Out

Trump is pivoting back to sanctions on Iran after other strategies to end the conflict are stalling. Officials and allies had hoped diplomacy, pressure campaigns, or negotiated incentives would produce movement, but outcomes have fallen short. The shift signals a preference for coercive leverage over engagement, aiming to restrict Iran’s ability to support actors linked to the war. Critics say sanctions may deepen tensions and harm humanitarian conditions, while supporters argue they provide the clearest path to influencing decision-makers. The plan’s design, targets, and enforcement will likely determine whether it gains traction.