India, July 28 -- After nearly two weeks of strikes on Iran, the Trump administration is planning to bank on a different weapon: economic pressure.

As Washington tries to push Tehran back to the negotiating table, senior US officials believe sanctions, financial restrictions and a naval blockade could ultimately inflict more damage on Iran than the bombing itself, Axios reported.

US President Donald Trump put a stop to strikes on Iran after 13 consecutive days. He said he wanted to give diplomacy another chance. On Monday, he claimed Iran sought talks on a possible deal, although they denied requesting direct negotiations, AP reported.

US officials say the real pressure is now coming from Iran's worsening economic troubles. "The Irania...