Trump Says Iran Is 'Collapsing' Ahead of New US Sanctions
US President Donald Trump said Monday that Iran is "collapsing" as his administration prepares to announce new economic sanctions, a campaign Tehran called an admission of military defeat. The conflict has reached a stalemate nearly six months after war began, with peace talks stalled, Iran closing the vital Strait of Hormuz, and Washington imposing a naval blockade. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent pledged the "largest financial attack ever" against Tehran, warning cooperating nations would become "global pariahs." Iran's oil exports through Hormuz have fallen from 2 million barrels daily before the war to 400,000 by mid-August, according to Kepler data. Tehran warned countries against joining US efforts, while Iranians face severe economic hardship.