Why US threats to tighten economic vice on Iran might prolong war

Chinese analysts say Tehran has long shown resilience in the face of sanctions and other US tactics3-MIN READ3-MIN1 ListenPublished: 9:26pm, 17 Apr 2026Updated: 10:12pm, 17 Apr 2026The US appears to be intensifying its war efforts with an economic squeeze to force Iran to cave in before further talks, but Chinese observers say the strategy could backfire on the US economy.The US continued to exert pressure on Iran on Friday even as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that passage for all ‌commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz was completely open for ⁠the remainder of a two-week ceasefire due to expire on April 22.The passage of the vessels would be on the coordinated route announced by Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organisation, Araghchi said.US President Donald Trump thanked Iran for the action but said a US naval blockade on vessels entering and leaving Iranian ports would remain in “full force and effect ... only until such time as our transaction with Iran is 100 per cent complete”.Trump added that the process would go quickly because most of the points had already been negotiated.02:30Trump announces Israel and Lebanon agreement to 10-day ceasefireTrump announces Israel and Lebanon agreement to 10-day ceasefireEarlier, US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth renewed his threats against Iran, saying that the US would attack Iran’s civilian infrastructure if diplomatic efforts failed.