President Trump is shifting toward economic pressure on Iran, relying on sanctions and a U.S. naval blockade in an effort to push Iranians to the table for peace talks. The strategy comes as experts cited by The Hill debate whether Washington can still extract concessions without returning to war or accepting a deal similar to the June memorandum of understanding. William Wechsler, the former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Combating Terrorism, said renewed war with Iran would carry “significant risks,” while an agreement along the lines of the June framework would be a “disaster.” He argued the president is effectively trying to buy time. The White House believes Iran’s economy has been badly weakened by inflation, lower energy revenue, rising poverty and limited access to foreign currency. A Pentagon assessment previously reported by The Hill found the first blockade phase, from April 13 to June 18, cost Iran about $4.8 billion in oil revenue. Wechsler said Iran may try to assert control over the Strait of Hormuz and eventually charge tolls, betting it can outlast Washington because the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, or IRGC (Iran’s powerful security force), can use coercion at home while Trump faces election pressure.