The United States is tightening its economic grip on Iran through a prolonged blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil transit route. President Donald Trump has directed his aides to prepare for a strategic shift towards sustained economic pressure rather than short-term military actions. This blockade is significantly impacting Iran's oil exports, which have sharply declined. Recent assessments suggest that Iran may only have 12 to 22 days of oil storage capacity left, forcing the country to consider unconventional storage solutions, such as using aging tankers. The blockade is expected to disrupt Iran's economy further, affecting its currency stability, inflation management, and essential imports. US officials believe this approach allows for weakening Iran's economic foundations without provoking a broader conflict. However, the risks of retaliation and volatility in global oil markets remain a concern as the situation evolves into a prolonged economic battle for Iran.