Iran is losing an estimated $500 million every day as a result of a sweeping US-led naval blockade, the White House said on Thursday, signalling intensifying economic pressure on Tehran despite a pause in direct military confrontation.“There’s a ceasefire with the military and kinetic strikes, but Operation Economic Fury continues. We are completely strangling their economy through this blockade. They’re losing $500M a day… The President is satisfied with that as we await their response,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters.The remarks underscore Washington’s strategy of pairing a ceasefire on the battlefield with sustained financial coercion, aimed at forcing Iran to comply with US demands.Leavitt said the decision to extend the ceasefire reflects confidence in the effectiveness of the blockade. “The President chose to extend the ceasefire because it’s Iran who needs to get their act together,” she said, adding that US “red lines” have been clear from the outset.At the core of those demands, she reiterated, is a categorical refusal to allow Iran to develop a nuclear weapon. “Iran can never obtain a nuclear bomb to threaten the United States and our allies, and they must turn in the enriched uranium in their possession. We await their response,” she said.Even as tensions remain high, the White House indicated that diplomatic channels remain active behind the scenes. “What they say publicly is much different than what they concede to the United States and our negotiating team privately,” Leavitt said, cautioning against taking Iranian statements at face value.She also launched a sharp attack on Iran’s maritime posture, accusing it of abandoning conventional naval conduct. “Iran has gone from having the most lethal navy in the Middle East to now acting like a bunch of pirates,” she said, alleging that recent actions in strategic waters amount to “piracy”.According to Leavitt, the United States retains firm control over the situation. “Not only have they been significantly weakened militarily, but they are losing economically and financially every single moment that passes with this blockade,” she said.