U.S. and Israel Tighten Grip on Iranian Regime By Curbing Its Exports to China

The Greek Courier 

Sources: efsyn.gr, Ant1 News 

The "maximum pressure" strategy aimed at Tehran has been reaffirmed following a recent high-level meeting between President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The discussions, held at the White House, centered primarily on Iran, with both leaders outlining a concerted effort to intensify economic sanctions and choke off critical revenue streams for the Iranian regime.

A key focus of their agreement is to curb Iranian oil exports, particularly to China, which currently accounts for 80% of Iran's total crude sales. By targeting these oil sales, Trump and Netanyahu aim to cripple the Iranian economy further, effectively impoverishing a regime that has repeatedly quelled opposition through violent means.

According to sources cited by Axios, the two leaders are contemplating new tariffs—up to 25%—on countries that maintain trade ties with Iran. This escalation in economic sanctions is intended to amplify the effects of the existing pressure campaign, aiming to bring Tehran to its knees and stifle its ballistic and nuclear ambitions.

As nuclear negotiations continue between U.S. and Iranian diplomats in Oman, the U.S. is simultaneously bolstering its military presence in the Gulf, preparing for possible prolonged confrontations with the regime. The strategy entails a dangerous game of escalation, with no real assurances for the Iranian opposition, which has faced significant repression and loss.

This coordinated effort between the U.S. and Israel signals a clear determination to isolate Iran economically, but it also raises the stakes in an already volatile regional landscape, risking deeper conflicts and further humanitarian crises as the Iranian government grapples with escalating poverty and civil unrest that has cost the deaths of thousands of demonstrators.

U.S. Forces Prepare for a Long Campaign Against Iran

A recent exclusive report from Reuters highlights U.S. military preparations in the region, outlining plans for sustained strikes if diplomatic solutions with Iran fail. 

President Donald Trump announced that a second aircraft carrier will soon be deployed, bolstering an already substantial military presence. This will be accompanied by thousands of additional troops, fighter jets, guided-missile destroyers, and other munitions capable of launching attacks.

Last year, the U.S. had dispatched two aircraft carriers to the region and executed operation "Midnight Hammer," which targeted Iranian nuclear facilities. According to officials, any extended military campaign could extend beyond just nuclear sites to include Iranian state and security infrastructure.

As expert sources explain, "such operations carry significant risks for U.S. forces, given Iran’s extensive missile capabilities. Iran has responded by promising to retaliate fiercely to any attacks, also warning Gulf nations hosting U.S. bases that they could be targeted in a conflict.

Trump acknowledged the challenges in negotiating with Iran, stating that "sometimes fear is needed" to achieve results. 

The U.S. maintains military bases across several Middle Eastern countries, including Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, the UAE, and Turkey.

EASA: "Stay out of Iran's airspace."

Another element intensifying concerns is that the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) recommended that airlines remain out of Iran's airspace until March 31, extending a previous similar warning.

"The presence and potential use of a wide range of weapons and air defense systems, combined with unpredictable state reactions, creates a high risk for civil flights operating at all altitudes and flight levels," the European Union Aviation Safety Agency stated in a press release.