Axios: Trump Signals Economic Pressure on Iran Instead of New Military Offensive
“We are just watching Iran with its huge inflation and the fact they have no money,” Trump said, adding that Iran is in “very bad shape” economically and lacks funds to pay its troops.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – U.S. President Donald Trump signaled Sunday that he is prepared to let economic pressure on Iran intensify rather than order a new military offensive, as Tehran continues to defy Washington over the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
In an interview with Axios, Trump said the United States was “low keying it” and was only “semi-negotiating” with Iran, pointing to the country’s soaring inflation and worsening financial situation.
“We are just watching Iran with its huge inflation and the fact they have no money,” Trump said, adding that Iran is in “very bad shape” economically and lacks funds to pay its troops.
Trump also said the U.S. naval blockade had deepened Iran’s economic crisis, while noting that lower oil prices, at slightly above $75 a barrel, had limited the impact of the war on American consumers.
“It will work out. It always works out. It’s like a chess game,” Trump said.
The remarks came as an agreement involving Iran, Oman and the United States to regulate shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains pending. The proposed arrangement would reportedly give Iran partial control over maritime traffic through the strategic waterway, a role it did not have before the war.
Qatari and Pakistani mediators had expected the agreement to be announced Wednesday, but prospects for a deal have since weakened. Iran issued a new list of demands on Saturday for allowing shipping through the strait.
U.S. officials have also pointed to growing divisions within Iran’s leadership. One faction, led by President Masoud Pezeshkian, is reportedly concerned about economic collapse and favors reaching an agreement with Washington, while another, led by Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Ahmad Vahidi, opposes making concessions.