WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has indicated that Washington may rely on increasing economic pressure against Iran rather than launching another immediate military offensive, according to an Axios interview.
Trump said the United States was “low-keying it” while maintaining pressure on Tehran. He also said Washington was only “semi-negotiating” with Iran and closely monitoring its worsening economic situation.
Trump Points to Iran’s Economic Crisis
Trump claimed Iran is facing severe inflation and financial difficulties. He said Tehran has limited funds and is struggling to pay its military personnel.
The US president also credited a naval blockade with increasing pressure on the Iranian government. Moreover, he said the economic impact of the confrontation on Americans had eased as oil prices declined to slightly above $75 per barrel.
Trump expressed confidence that continued economic pressure would eventually produce results. “It will work out,” he said, comparing the confrontation with Tehran to a chess game.
However, Iran has rejected claims that negotiations are currently taking place. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran would not begin talks while Washington continues violating an interim agreement reached in June.
Iran-US Talks Remain Stalled
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also accused Washington of breaching the June memorandum. He said the United States was pursuing alternative shipping arrangements through the Strait of Hormuz instead of following procedures that Iran and Oman were expected to agree upon.
On June 18, Iran and the United States signed a memorandum of understanding through mediation by Pakistan and Qatar. The agreement ended active hostilities and initiated negotiations toward a broader settlement.
However, talks later stalled over maritime security and freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. The strategic waterway remains crucial for global oil and gas exports.
Tensions escalated on February 28 when Israel and the United States launched coordinated strikes against Iranian military, nuclear and energy facilities. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks against Israeli and US targets across the region.
