Six months following tensions that destabilized global markets and threatened broader conflict in the Gulf, Iran's position appears to be weakening. The United States is implementing an aggressive economic strategy intended to exert pressure on Iran in ways military intervention has not. This economic offensive, described as unprecedented, aims to limit Iran’s leverage, particularly in the strategically vital Hormuz region. The situation follows a period of conflict that brought the Gulf to the edge of a wider war. Washington believes economic coercion is proving to be a more effective tool than military force against Iran. It remains to be seen how Iran will respond to the continuing economic pressure from the US. This development reflects a shift in strategy by the US regarding its approach to Iran.