Trump Needs Patience: The 'Severe Bleeding' That Could Bring Him Victory

President Trump is pursuing a strategy of economic pressure on Iran, while temporarily avoiding a military move. He describes Iran's dire economic situation, including 300% inflation, and emphasizes American control over Iranian assets. Iran's economy is contracting by 5.6%, the rial is at a low, and the misery index is at a peak. Citizens are struggling to survive, and the regime fears a renewal of protests.

US President Donald Trump is adhering to a strategy of economic pressure on Iran, while temporarily avoiding a military move. In an interview with Real America's Voice, he described two options: "to hit them really, really hard" or "to beat them economically" through continued blockade and sanctions. He emphasized American control over Iranian assets: "I'm their banker!" The Iranian economy faces a severe crisis: according to the IMF, it is expected to contract by 5.6% this year, the largest drop since 1988. Annual inflation has reached 88.6%, and food prices have soared by 130%. The rial hit a low of 1.9 million to the dollar, though it has recovered slightly to 1.88 million. The misery index, which combines inflation and unemployment, reached a peak of 91.1. The naval blockade, which began on April 13, was halted on June 18 and renewed on July 14, costing the economy $435 million per day. Citizens are struggling to survive, and many use credit apps for payments. The regime fears a renewal of protests, and President Pezeshkian warns of "social instability." However, there are no signs of current protests, and the brutal suppression of the January protest is still fresh.