U.S. President Donald Trump said in an interview with Axios on Sunday, August 9, that his administration currently intends to increase economic pressure on the Islamic Republic and pursue a more cautious approach toward Iran instead of launching a new military operation.
When asked by Axios about the status of talks with Iran, Trump said, "We're taking it easy." He added: "We're negotiating with them half-heartedly. We're just keeping an eye on Iran, with massive inflation and the fact that it has no money."
Trump noted that the Islamic Republic is in "a very bad situation" economically and lacks sufficient funds even to pay its military forces. According to him, the U.S. naval blockade has further exacerbated the Islamic Republic's economic crisis.
At the same time, he mentioned that the drop in oil prices to just over $75 per barrel has reduced the economic pressure of the war on American consumers. Regarding the confrontation with the Islamic Republic, Trump said: "Everything will be fine. It always turns out fine. It's like a game of chess."
Trump's comments come as an agreement involving Iran, Oman, and the United States to establish a framework for maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains stalled.
