President Donald Trump stated that he is not rushing negotiations with Iran as the conflict approaches its six-month mark. In an interview with the prominent Arab media outlet Al Jazeera on August 26, Trump emphasized that he has not set a deadline for Iran to return to the negotiating table. "There is no deadline. Not at all," he said. "I am not in a hurry. I have not set any deadline."
He further claimed, "We are winning big," asserting that Iran is experiencing severe inflation and a collapsing economy. He also criticized the Iranian government for its harsh treatment of citizens, stating that many protesters have been killed. Trump reiterated, "I have no set deadline."
When asked whether economic sanctions against Iran are more effective than military action, Trump responded, "I think both are effective."
However, Al Jazeera noted that Trump's comments contradict his earlier statements suggesting the war would not last long. On February 28, following airstrikes on Iran in coordination with Israel, Trump indicated that the conflict could end in "four to six weeks."
In June, the U.S. and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding in Islamabad, moving towards a ceasefire. However, tensions escalated in July when the U.S. claimed an Iranian attack on a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz prompted military action. Since then, the two sides have returned to a confrontational stance. This month, the U.S. shifted its approach from military action to increasing economic pressure on Iran. On August 24, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Vance announced an 'economic isolation operation' aimed at isolating Iran economically, including sanctions on third countries that engage in trade with Iran.
The Atlantic reported that Trump's pivot to economic sanctions could be a strategy to divert voter attention from the Iran war ahead of the midterm elections.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts through intermediary countries are intensifying. Following a Pakistani delegation's visit to Iran on August 24, Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani is expected to visit Iran on August 27 to engage in mediation.
On the other hand, Iran announced on August 26 that it had reached a phased agreement with Oman to reopen safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, including the establishment of a 'temporary joint maritime corridor' and a 'joint project for mine removal.' This agreement came just a day after the U.S. announced its economic sanctions against Iran, indicating a push for diplomatic discussions to normalize navigation in the Strait amid heightened economic pressure from the U.S.
However, Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, stated on state television that under the agreement, while commercial vessels may pass through the Strait of Hormuz, military ships will not be allowed. He explained that commercial vessels entering the Persian Gulf will use Iranian waterways, while those exiting will navigate through parts of both Iranian and Omani waterways. He added that the currently agreed-upon maritime corridor is a temporary measure, with discussions for a permanent corridor expected within the next 30 to 60 days.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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