Trump says US is 'low-keying it' with Iran

US President Donald Trump appeared open to increasing economic pressure on Iran, reportedly shifting away from ordering further military attacks, according to Axios. The statement came after Trump's latest series of threats aimed at Iran, which he later withdrew. Axios reported that Trump did not express any dissatisfaction with Iran's delay in reaching an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Tehran has insisted that the US first lift its blockade of Iranian ports and end oil sanctions, as agreed upon in a June memorandum of understanding.

The strait's closure by Iran since the conflict began has resulted in rising fuel prices and global economic disruption, putting pressure on the Trump administration as the November midterm elections approach. Trump, reflecting his comments to Axios, stated that they are only "semi-negotiating with them" and are "just watching Iran with its huge inflation and the fact they have no money." Oil prices were falling, alleviating some pain for American consumers from the ongoing war, Trump added in his assessment.

Trump described the US-Iran relations as a "chess game," emphasizing that it is a strategic maneuver.