How will Trump's economic 'D-Day' plan impact Iran's nuclear, ballistic missile threat? – analysis

The Trump administration's "economic D-Day" against Iran, intended to counter its nuclear and ballistic missile threats, has been largely ineffective, according to an analysis. The strategy relies on coercing China to reduce its oil imports from Iran, but China has often resisted and found ways to circumvent blockades. The article notes, "The real 'D-Day' (June 6, 1944) was not an economic sanctions campaign; it was one of the largest military ground invasions of all time." The economic pressure campaign is a long-term strategy, and its success is questionable given the US economic situation and the Iranian regime's higher tolerance for hardship. While Israel might benefit from a sustained campaign by reducing Iran's terror proxy support and hindering its weapons programs, Iran has historically prioritized military financing and has received billions from China and Russia since the 2026 war. Despite setbacks to Iran's nuclear and missile programs in 2025, the regime could still advance these threats with external assistance if the economic pressure falters.