Trump Breaks Off Talks With Iran — Shifts to a "Strangulation" Tactic
On August 18-19, Trump announced a shift in strategy: rather than continuing dialogue, Washington is moving to a policy of slow economic pressure on Tehran. According to CNN, the president personally instructed Kushner, Witkoff, and Vance to halt all contact with the Iranian side — the 60-day negotiating window that began in June ended without a deal. Trump confirmed that the naval blockade of Iranian ports remains in force, though he claimed the Strait of Hormuz is "open and functioning" — a version Iran disputes. The shift in rhetoric from "a deal is almost ready" to "there are no talks and there will be none" is a clear signal: Washington is betting on a prolonged war of attrition against its adversary rather than a quick compromise.
UAE Imposes Full Trade Embargo on Iran
Amid the diplomatic wind-down, the Emirates announced an indefinite trade embargo against Iran, accusing Tehran of launching ballistic missiles toward the UAE. The decision was made "in light of the escalation undermining peace and security in the region," according to a statement from the Emirati Foreign Ministry. US regional allies are beginning to act independently, without waiting for coordination with Washington — this broadens the front of pressure on Iran while simultaneously raising the risk of uncontrolled escalation.
CNN: Washington Preparing New Sanctions and Secondary Tariffs Against Iran
According to Reuters and CNN, the administration is considering a package of intensified pressure: new sanctions against Chinese companies linked to Iran, a possible land blockade, and secondary tariffs against buyers of Iranian oil. Economic strangulation aimed at Beijing as an intermediary marks a direct expansion of the conflict onto the China track, and for businesses with any exposure to Iranian or China-linked logistics, it's a signal to prepare for new restrictions in the coming weeks.
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