Another failed strategy?

Dawn reports that President Donald Trump has escalated an economic campaign against Iran, threatening what he calls the toughest sanctions ever. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent unveiled a package aimed at Iran’s digital assets, technology, gold, aviation and shipping, naming about sixty entities, vessels and individuals. Iran’s foreign minister dismissed the measures as familiar and said Tehran is ready to respond, while the United Arab Emirates has already halted trade and China warned of retaliation. Pakistan’s chief of defence forces is mediating and Gulf states say negotiations are progressing, aiming to reopen the Strait of Hormuz – a key oil corridor. Analysts quoted in the piece doubt the sanctions will break Iran’s resolve, noting the country has endured similar pressure for decades. Whether diplomatic talks can secure the strait’s reopening in the coming days remains to be seen.

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