US President Donald Trump has signaled a new shift in his strategy for the war with Iran. He has ordered his top representatives to halt all ongoing talks with Tehran. Rather than de-escalating the military conflict in the Middle East, Washington is adopting a policy of squeezing Iran economically over the long term.
CNN reported Wednesday, August 19, that this marks a major shift in the Trump administration’s policy. Talk of an “immediate, severe strike” has given way to a plan to “slowly suffocate” Iran instead. In a message on his Truth Social platform, Trump said clearly: “There are no talks or meetings of any kind taking place with the Islamic Republic of Iran, nor is any schedule set.” He also said the naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz remains in full force.
Even though Trump claims the Strait of Hormuz is open and all mines have been cleared, shipping through the waterway in reality remains at extreme risk, and Iranian attacks continue to occur there. The US delegation, made up of Vice President JD Vance, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, has been ordered to halt talks with Tehran. Trump took this step after Tehran refused to accept a deal on US terms.
Trump has also expressed extreme displeasure over Iran’s attempt, mediated by Oman, to establish new arrangements for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Washington believes Oman has failed to remain neutral and is instead favoring Iran. The US administration has firmly rejected any proposal to impose fees or tariffs on ships passing through the strait.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has said American forces are prepared to maintain the blockade on Iranian ports indefinitely, and that tougher new US sanctions on Iran are expected soon. Even though six straight months of war have strained US military equipment and ammunition stockpiles, and political pressure to bring troops home is growing, Trump is not looking for a quick way to end the war. On Tuesday, he posted a map of the Strait of Hormuz on social media, labeling it “United States territory,” signaling his intent to maintain a long-term presence there.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report