According to US news outlet Axios, on August 9th local time, President Trump stated that he is “handling quietly” the Iran situation. He signaled that he is prepared to intensify economic pressure on Iran rather than launch new military action.
In an interview with Axios, Trump said, “We’re just having a ‘semi-negotiation’ with them. We’re just watching to see Iran facing severe inflation and funding shortages.”
He noted that Iran’s economic situation is “very bad,” adding that the country “doesn’t even have money to pay its military.” He claimed that the US naval blockade has further worsened Iran’s economic crisis.
Meanwhile, Trump pointed out that with oil prices dropping to just above $75 per barrel, the pain at the pump for American consumers has eased somewhat.
“Things will work out,” Trump said of the US-Iran situation. “It’s like a chess game.”
Axios reported that during the interview, Trump showed no signs of anger or frustration over Iran not disclosing details about its agreement with Oman aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
On August 8th, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr laid out conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
He demanded that the US lift its naval blockade and sanctions on Iran, withdraw US forces deployed around Iran, pay war reparations and unfreeze Iranian assets, while also stopping attacks on Iran’s regional allies and ceasing threats against Iran.