US officials say sanctions may hurt Iran more than strikes, Axios reports

US officials believe pressuring Tehran with sanctions would damage the country more than bombs, Axios reported on Tuesday, citing a deepening economic crisis inside Iran. "The Iranians want to stop being bombed and they want money," a senior US official said, adding that they "really want the money first."

Diplomacy and Mediation

President Trump said Iran had requested talks after he paused US strikes, though Iran denied the claim. Mediators from Oman, Qatar and Pakistan are trying to turn the pause into a lasting ceasefire, with one proposal giving Iran and Oman a role in managing Strait of Hormuz traffic. Iran is seeking guarantees against future US attacks, access to frozen assets and sanctions relief.

Financial Pressure

Officials said Iran is struggling with bank runs, gasoline shortages and difficulties paying its fighters. The Trump administration has sanctioned more than 1,000 people, vessels and aircraft under its maximum-pressure campaign. Analysts questioned whether economic pressure would force Iran to accept Trump's demands, noting Iran earned $23 billion in oil revenue in the first half of the year.