The United States has intensified its maritime blockade of Iran even as President Donald Trump signals a shift away from further military escalation and towards economic pressure on Tehran. The latest development comes amid growing questions over the sustainability of Washington’s military campaign and the availability of weapons for a prolonged conflict.

US Central Command said on Monday that American forces had so far disabled two vessels and redirected 55 others as part of the blockade. US troops also boarded two ships to enforce compliance with the restrictions.

The developments followed Trump's remarks that Washington was now taking a more measured approach to negotiations with Iran. Speaking to Axios, Trump said the US was “low-keying” talks while allowing economic pressure on Tehran to increase. He also claimed that Iran was facing severe economic difficulties and lacked sufficient funds to pay its military personnel.

Blockade Puts Pressure on Tehran

The US blockade has emerged as one of Washington's main tools for putting pressure on Iran without launching another major round of strikes.

Trump has argued that the restrictions are worsening Iran's economic crisis, particularly at a time when the country is already dealing with inflation and shortages. The pressure also reportedly contributed to Iran agreeing to an interim peace arrangement.

However, the effectiveness of the strategy remains uncertain. Iran has spent years adapting its economy and supply networks to Western sanctions, allowing it to maintain essential trade despite restrictions imposed by the US and its allies.

US Military Faces Limitations

The shift towards economic pressure is also taking place against the backdrop of limitations within the US military campaign.

Reports have indicated that the US missile stockpile has fallen to levels that could make a sustained large-scale campaign against Iran difficult. The shortage has emerged as one of the factors behind Trump's decision to pause a planned offensive and favour negotiations.

The situation presents the administration with a difficult choice. Continuing large-scale military operations could put additional pressure on US weapons stocks, while stepping back without securing a political agreement could be portrayed as a failure to achieve Washington's stated objectives.

Trump Under Political Pressure

The conflict is also unfolding as the US approaches the mid-term elections. Rising fuel prices and broader economic concerns have increased political pressure on the Trump administration.

Petrol prices in the US have remained above $4 per gallon, adding to cost-of-living concerns. The conflict has also contributed to economic uncertainty at a time when the American labour market was already showing signs of weakness.

Recent surveys indicate that voters are increasingly concerned about the economy, with Democrats gaining an advantage over Republicans on the issue. This could make an eventual resolution of the Iran conflict particularly important for the administration ahead of the elections.

Can Maximum Pressure Work?

Trump's renewed emphasis on economic pressure reflects his long-standing “maximum pressure” approach towards Iran. The strategy is based on the assumption that severe economic costs can eventually force Tehran to accept US demands.

There are signs that the blockade is hurting Iran. Reports have pointed to acute financial difficulties, with Iranian officials warning about pressure on food, medical supplies and other essential imports if the restrictions continue.

Yet economic pressure does not automatically translate into political capitulation.

Iran has previously demonstrated an ability to function under sanctions, while its leadership has repeatedly prioritised maintaining strategic autonomy. The country's resilience could therefore make it difficult for Washington to force a quick settlement through economic measures alone.

A High-Stakes Standoff

Trump's decision to reduce the emphasis on immediate military escalation could lower the risk of another major confrontation in the region. At the same time, the continued blockade means the pressure campaign remains active.

For Washington, the challenge will be to use economic leverage without triggering a wider regional escalation or becoming locked into an open-ended confrontation.

For Tehran, the immediate priority will be to manage the economic impact while maintaining its negotiating position.

The coming weeks are likely to determine whether Trump's pivot from military escalation to economic pressure can produce a diplomatic breakthrough—or simply prolong the confrontation with Iran.