President Donald Trump has stated that rather than escalating military responses regarding Iran, the U.S. will monitor the situation closely. Despite Iran's new conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, Trump appears to favor economic pressure over additional military action.
In a phone interview with Axios on August 9, Trump said, "We are low keying it" regarding Iran and added, "We are only partially negotiating with them."
Trump emphasized Iran's economic struggles, noting, "They are suffering from massive inflation and have no money. Iran is in a very difficult economic situation." He pointed out that Iran lacks funds to pay its military and that the U.S. maritime blockade is exacerbating its economic woes.
On the prospects for negotiations, Trump expressed optimism, stating, "It will work out well. It always has. It's like a chess game."
He did not mention any new military actions against Iran. Axios reported that while Iran continues to reject U.S. demands, Trump seems to be leaning towards increasing economic pressure rather than launching further attacks.
However, the narratives from the U.S. and Iran regarding negotiations differ. While Trump claims they are "partially negotiating," Iran asserts that no formal negotiations have resumed.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told reporters in Tehran that while mediating countries are working to resume talks, there is no possibility of negotiations until the U.S. stops violating existing agreements and compensates for its actions.
The issue of reopening the Strait of Hormuz is also facing last-minute complications. Iran and Oman are close to an agreement on a new shipping route, but Iran has introduced additional conditions regarding the U.S., leaving the actual reopening uncertain.
Mohammad Bagheri Zolghadr, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, presented six demands for reopening the Strait, including the lifting of the U.S. maritime blockade against Iran, the withdrawal of U.S. troops from the region, and compensation for war damages.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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