Sanctions or missiles? Why Gulf may not relish Trump’s new Iran approach

Nearly six months since the United States and Israel launched the first missiles in their war on Iran, Washington is pivoting to a strategy of tougher sanctions and economic isolation in a bid to force Tehran to accept its terms for a peace deal.On Monday, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced “Operation Economic Outcast”, targeting Tehran’s remaining sources of revenue while also threatening penalties against those who continue doing business with Iran.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4What to expect in elections in South Carolina, Georgia and Oklahomalist 2 of 4Israeli forces raid UNRWA training centre in occupied East Jerusalemlist 3 of 4‘We can’t breathe’: Indonesians battle wildfire hazelist 4 of 4Two killed, refinery on fire in Russia’s Krasnodar after drone attackend of listBessent described the latest wave of sanctions as “the single greatest financial offensive ever” against Iran, and warned that banks and businesses would share in Iran’s isolation if they refuse to cooperate.“No one is above the reach of US sanctions,” he told reporters.Gulf states have repeatedly found themselves caught in the crosshairs during the US-Iran war as Iran has targeted US ...