Strategy or physical withdrawal: What does Washington’s shift from airstrikes to sanctions signify?

The Jerusalem Post reports on the shift in the Trump administration's approach toward Iran. The report examines Washington's transition from airstrikes to a campaign of sanctions and economic blockade, questioning whether this shift represents a new strategy or a physical withdrawal from direct conflict. Despite the apparent success of the US sanctions campaign, Iranian officials have repeatedly stated that they will not falter in maintaining control over the Strait of Hormuz. The report also notes US President Donald Trump's attendance at a NATO leaders' summit in Ankara in July 2026.