US President Donald Trump has shifted toward economic pressure against Iran while refusing to rule out further military strikes.
“We are low-keying it,” Trump told Axios, saying Washington was only partly negotiating with Tehran.
Trump said Iran faced severe inflation and lacked sufficient funds, while highlighting the impact of US sanctions.
However, he has continued to keep military action on the table if negotiations fail.
On Monday, Trump said Iran was “totally broke” and claimed Tehran could not pay its soldiers.
He also maintained that the United States had “total control” of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil shipments.
Washington weighs tougher sanctions
In contrast, analysts say Iran remains under significant economic pressure from sanctions, restricted oil exports and limited access to overseas assets.
Michael O’Hanlon of the Brookings Institution said Iran was in “terrible shape” economically but questioned how strongly its leadership would respond.
Meanwhile, Washington has already imposed fresh measures targeting Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Reports indicate Trump’s advisers have presented data showing the effects of existing sanctions as the administration considers additional restrictions.
Tehran rejects renewed pressure
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei described the sanctions push as a retreat from diplomacy.
He said Tehran had endured US sanctions for decades and accused Washington of repeatedly increasing economic pressure.
Therefore, Trump’s latest approach could mark a tactical shift from threats of major military strikes toward sustained economic coercion.
However, whether Trump maintains this strategy remains uncertain as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue.
