Trump says US ‘low-keying it’ with Iran as Tehran struggles with inflation
The US president signals he is prepared to let economic pressure mount against Iran, while backing away from further military strikes.
U.S. President Donald Trump signaled on Sunday his willingness to let economic pressure build against Iran, signaling a shift from ordering additional military strikes as Tehran makes stern demands. In a brief call with Axios, Trump spoke of "low-keying" the U.S. approach, according to the news outlet. Just a week ago, Trump had threatened a harsh response to Iran, but he backed off, as he pushes for a deal to end the conflict he initiated with Israel on February 28.
Axios reported that Trump did not express any disappointment over Iran's failure to agree to open the Strait of Hormuz. The country has demanded that the U.S. first halt its blockade of Iranian ports and lift oil sanctions, as per the memorandum of understanding signed between the two countries in June. The strait's blockade since the war began has driven up fuel prices and disrupted the global economy, putting pressure on the Trump administration as midterm elections approach in November.
Trump was quoted as stating, "We are only semi-negotiating with them. We are just watching Iran with its huge inflation and the fact they have no money." He also mentioned that falling oil prices mean American consumers are experiencing less pain from the war. Trump described the situation with Iran as a "chess game."
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