US Warns Iran of 'Not-So-Nice' End to Conflict Amid Escalating Economic Pressure and Strait of Hormuz Tensions

US President Donald Trump stated that Washington will soon decide whether to end the war with Iran 'the nice way or the not-so-nice way,' claiming Iran's military has been neutralized. Vice President JD Vance demanded a significant reduction in Iran's nuclear enrichment capacity for a permanent ceasefire. The US-led naval blockade continues to exert mounting pressure on Iran's economy, with no crude loaded since late August, though Iran's Central Bank Governor dismissed predictions of an imminent economic collapse. Mediation efforts by Qatar are ongoing, while Oman reported evacuating crew from a vessel struck in the Strait of Hormuz, and Saudi Arabia restored its East-West Pipeline. Reports also indicate at least 13 attempted Iranian attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz over the last week, and the US moved bombers from a UK base due to potential drone attack threats from Iran.