President Donald Trump seems to have adopted a new, more deliberate approach in the war with Iran, CNN reported Wednesday.

Trump told his top envoys to halt conversations with Tehran, while White House officials told political allies the administration is shifting from seeking to “hammer Iran ASAP” to seeking to “strangle them” over time by economically squeezing the regime, according to CNN.

The change follows weeks of frustration over stalled diplomacy and Iran’s refusal to meet Trump’s demands, particularly over the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

“There are no talks or conversations going on, or scheduled, with the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Trump wrote Tuesday on Truth Social, adding that the U.S. naval blockade “remains in full force and effect.”

Trump’s negotiating team, including Vice President JD Vance and envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, had held what officials described as positive discussions.

But Trump was dissatisfied with Tehran’s unwillingness to bend and plans to wait until Iranian leaders signal they are prepared to accept his conditions before reengaging.

The administration now appears prepared to rely heavily on economic pressure.

The United States is expected to impose new sanctions on Iran, while War Secretary Pete Hegseth has said U.S. forces are prepared to enforce the blockade of Iranian ports indefinitely.

Trump has also opposed proposals that could give Iran greater control over Hormuz, including plans that would allow fees to be collected from vessels passing through the waterway.

The president wants the strait restored to its prewar status, with unrestricted international shipping.

Trump took his rhetoric a step further Tuesday by posting a map labeling Hormuz “new US territory.”

The declaration did not represent a formal change in the waterway’s status but underscored the president’s determination not to concede control to Tehran.

Iran, meanwhile, insists the strait will remain closed until Washington lifts its blockade and meets other conditions, while Tehran has rejected Trump’s claims of American control.

Despite pressure to find an off-ramp after months of fighting, Trump has resisted calls to rush an agreement.