CNN reported that Donald Trump, the U.S. president, has shifted his strategy from seeking a quick agreement to gradually increasing pressure on Tehran, by pausing talks with the Islamic Republic.

As CNN wrote, Trump has instructed senior officials of the administration to stop dialogue with the Islamic Republic, and that no negotiations will take place unless Tehran shows a new sign of readiness to accept Washington’s demands. He also said that no talks with the Islamic Republic are taking place or planned during this period.

CNN, citing U.S. officials, wrote that the White House is preparing to impose new and severe sanctions on the Islamic Republic and at the same time is pursuing the strategy of “gradual escalation of pressure.” The report also referred to Washington’s concern about a possible agreement between the Islamic Republic and Oman regarding the management of traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, and wrote that the Trump administration opposes any agreement that would allow Tehran to exercise control over ships or receive fees from them. U.S. officials believe that economic pressure will ultimately force the Islamic Republic to accept Washington’s conditions.