Trump says US will deliver strong economic blow to Iran

WASHINGTON, United States — U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States will deliver a strong economic blow to Iran, adding that the timing of the measures is unrelated to the November midterm elections. In remarks to Fox News, Trump did not specify when the measures would take effect. The comments come as the U.S. naval blockade against Iran continues and tensions rise around the Strait of Hormuz, with ship traffic through the critical waterway reportedly declining. The U.S. administration is preparing to tighten economic sanctions on Iran, with the planned measures expected to cover trade and energy. U.S. forces have expanded their military presence around the Strait of Hormuz, and tensions with Tehran have escalated in recent weeks. Iran is considering countermeasures in response to the U.S. economic pressure, while Washington could broaden the scope of its measures, according to the report. No further details on the timing or specific provisions of the planned sanctions were immediately available.