Administration officials told the outlet that Tehran's growing financial distress has become one of Washington's strongest sources of leverage. U.S. intelligence assessments reportedly indicate that economic conditions inside Iran continue to deteriorate despite the country's significant oil reserves. One U.S. official told Axios that intelligence suggests Iranian authorities are struggling to finance their regional network because of mounting financial restrictions imposed by the Treasury Department. Officials acknowledged that economic pressure is unlikely to produce immediate results compared with military action. However, they believe prolonged financial isolation could eventually force Tehran back to the negotiating table without requiring a broader military campaign.