US News Metro Long Island Politics

Sports NFL MLB Olympics NBA NHL College Football College Basketball WNBA

Business Personal Finance

Entertainment TV Movies Music Celebrities Awards Theater

Lifestyle Weird But True Sex & Relationships Viral Trends Human Interest Parenting Fashion & Beauty Food & Drink Travel

Health Wellness Fitness Health Care Medicine Men’s Health Women’s Health Mental Health Nutrition

Science Space Environment Wildlife Archaeology

Today’s Paper Covers Columnists Horoscopes Crosswords & Games Sports Odds Podcasts Careers

Email Newsletters Official Store Home Delivery Tips

Switch between CA and NY editions here.

Tick-tock, Tehran — the regime’s escape routes are closing fast

The clock is ticking in Washington and Tehran.

With midterm elections approaching, pressure is building on President Donald Trump — from the left and the isolationist right — to wind down the war against Iran.

Because time is on America’s side.

As Trump has correctly argued, the Islamic Republic is reeling — squeezed by the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and battered by the devastating effects of Operation Epic Fury.

That creates a rare opening.

Top Iranian negotiator arrives in Pakistan after regime skipped peace talks and Trump canceled his team’s trip

Michael Goodwin: Trump and Netanyahu have a shared goal for Iran — but the media pits them against each other

‘Shadow fleet’ vessels tied to Iran pass through Strait of Hormuz

Washington can force Tehran to accept permanent nuclear and missile concessions, or confront the growing risk of regime collapse.

So far, Trump has shown admirable resolve.

And the campaign has delivered major results.

Hundreds of senior Iranian commanders and officials are dead.

Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, air defenses, ballistic missile program, navy, and defense industry have all been heavily degraded.

Time is on Trump’s side versus Iran, but not forever

But the economic blow may prove even more dangerous to the regime.

Iran’s regional escape routes are closing.

Gulf states are shutting down the sanctions-busting, money-laundering, and financial channels Tehran has relied on for years.

Oil exports have nearly collapsed.

Imports........

© New York Post