U.S. Vice President J. D. Vance said the confrontation between the two countries had entered a new phase, describing economic pressure as Washington’s most effective tool against Iran.
Washington’s economic pressure plan
Speaking on a podcast on Thursday, Vance assessed developments in Iran and argued that economic pressure was the best way for the United States to achieve its ultimate goals regarding Tehran. Vance said Washington would continue this policy.
Vance described the Strait of Hormuz as a pressure tool in Iran’s hands. Despite attacks on commercial vessels, he claimed that the United States had secured the passage of large volumes of oil through the strait.
Fuel prices and calculations over an agreement
Vance claimed that the U.S. administration had succeeded in significantly lowering fuel prices in the country. He said economic pressure on Tehran would grow if Washington reduced energy prices in the United States and punished Iran for attacks on commercial vessels.
Vance said this pressure could change Iran’s calculations about the nature of the agreement it seeks with the United States. “We have entered a new phase in which the most effective tool we have is the economic pressure we can apply to them,” he said.
Trump announces economic war against Iran
U.S. President Donald Trump also said Thursday that he had declared an “unprecedented economic war” against Iran. Trump warned countries supporting Tehran that they would face severe economic consequences.