At the same time as military tensions between the United States and the Islamic Republic are easing and the negotiation process becoming more complex, verbal tensions between officials of the two countries have increased. Meanwhile, Donald Trump’s administration continues to intensify sanctions and economic pressure against the Islamic Republic and maintains the blockade of Iran’s ports.

Amir Giti, a member of the editorial board of Iran International, said that an assessment by Donald Trump’s advisers indicates that the economic blockade and Iran’s ports—more even than military attacks—have put pressure on the Islamic Republic, and that evidence and statements by Iranian officials also confirm this assessment. He added that the totality of these developments could indicate that, in the coming days, the Islamic Republic may be forced to back down on issues such as the nuclear file and the Strait of Hormuz.