Economic D-Day Could Backfire | US News

Robert Pape, a University of Chicago political science professor, warns that the U.S. “Economic D-Day” strategy against Iran could backfire—instead of forcing Tehran to surrender, sanctions may push Iran to retaliate, triggering a dangerous escalation trap. Drawing on historical parallels like Japan’s oil embargo before Pearl Harbor, Pape argues economic pressure alone rarely ends major conflicts and can harden adversaries’ resolve when survival is at stake. With Iran controlling critical shipping lanes like the Strait of Hormuz and leveraging financial ties across the Gulf, complete isolation is nearly impossible—and any disruption could spike global oil prices and ignite wider regional conflict. Pape’s research suggests this approach risks dragging the world into a prolonged, costly war rather than delivering a swift resolution. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/0b3a23bf874ddbb4