No more strikes on Iran? Trump says US going 'low key', stresses economic pressure

US President Donald Trump stated on Sunday that the United States is adopting a cautious approach towards Iran, refraining from initiating a new military offensive despite ongoing tensions over the Strait of Hormuz. During a brief phone call with Axios, Trump stated that the US is "low keying it" and is merely "semi-negotiating" with Iran while closely monitoring its deteriorating economic situation.

"We are only semi-negotiating with them. We are just watching Iran with its huge inflation and the fact they have no money," Trump remarked.

Trump highlighted Iran's dire economic predicament, attributing it to the US naval blockade that has exacerbated the crisis. He also pointed out that lower oil prices, hovering around $75 a barrel, would mitigate the economic impact on American consumers. "It will work out. It always works out. It's like a chess game," Trump asserted.

These remarks come amidst stalled negotiations involving Iran, Oman, and the US to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has presented additional demands for the route's reactivation, such as halting the US naval blockade and the withdrawal of US forces from Iran's vicinity. Trump did not issue any fresh military threats against Iran during the interview, although US officials had suggested last week that he was contemplating resuming significant military operations against the country.

However, a separate WSJ report suggested that Trump might be inclined to terminate Iran's war even without the nuclear deal, provided there was an agreement on reopening Hormuz.