Iran denies collapse is close as US claims IRGC running out of money

What happened: Iran rejected US claims that its economy is near collapse, while acknowledging sanctions and war have created financial challenges. US Central Command chief Brad Cooper said attacks and a naval blockade have hurt IRGC finances. Key numbers: Cooper said the US prevented at least $25bn in Iranian crude exports and helped freeze about $350m in cryptocurrency assets. Why it matters: Analysts told Al Jazeera that economic pressure constrains Iran's military resources but is unlikely to change the IRGC's strategic calculations or force Tehran to surrender.

Iran rejected US claims that its economy is near collapse, while acknowledging sanctions and war have created financial challenges. US Central Command chief Brad Cooper said attacks and a naval blockade have hurt IRGC finances.

Analysts told Al Jazeera that economic pressure constrains Iran's military resources but is unlikely to change the IRGC's strategic calculations or force Tehran to surrender.