US President Donald Trump is combining economic sanctions and military force to pressure Iran, as Tehran continues to resist Washington’s campaign.

The administration launched “Operation Economic Outcast” last week to cut Iran off from remaining international trade and financial partners, while US strikes have resumed in recent days, prompting Iranian retaliation and raising fears of a wider regional war.

Despite months of sanctions and military attacks, Iran’s leadership has shown little sign of backing down. The conflict has also pushed up energy prices and raised concerns about its political impact ahead of the November midterm elections.

Trump said Wednesday that he did not expect the conflict to last “much longer” and dismissed concerns that the war or higher gasoline prices could hurt Republicans.

The US campaign to isolate Iran economically has so far had limited results, with only one branch of an Egyptian bank in the UAE targeted. Experts say sanctions would have greater impact if they reached Iran’s major trading partners, particularly China, India and Russia.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a key pressure point, with shipping traffic falling sharply from pre-war levels because of the risk of attacks and Iranian restrictions.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran would continue to face economic pressure, while Washington reserved the right to use military force when necessary.

Meanwhile, Iran’s leadership appears divided between moderates seeking negotiations and hardliners favoring confrontation. Analysts say neither side is satisfied with the current situation, leaving the conflict increasingly a battle of endurance.