Middle East


US pivot from strikes to sanctions in Iran war shows lack of clear strategy, experts say

US President Donald Trump reacts as he speaks to the media with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent behind him, on the day of a NATO leaders' summit in Ankara, Turkey, July 8, 2026.

Iran economic sanctions leading to extremist regime elements gaining power, dissident says - report

US Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent takes questions from reporters as he speaks during a press conference in Washington, DC on August 24, 2026. Bessent, in a column for the Financial Times, declared that an "economic D-Day" had begun against Tehran on Monday.

US halts Iran strikes 'for time being,' as focus shifts to economic sanctions, Rubio says - report

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks during a cabinet meeting at Camp David in Thurmont, Maryland, US, July 31, 2026.