US President Donald Trump claimed that the US is “only semi-negotiating” with Iran as it watches Tehran struggle to overcome economic pressure, stating that Washington is “low-keying it” in their approach during a phone call with Axios on Sunday.
"We are only semi-negotiating with them. We are just watching Iran with its huge inflation and the fact they have no money," he stated.
Trump emphasized that the US blockade on Iranian ports along the Strait of Hormuz has contributed to Iran being “in very bad shape.”
One US official told Axios that during active warfare, Tehran can temporarily avoid dealing with the economic consequences of the fighting, but as strikes have paused, it is forced to confront the reality of its economic situation, with no solution easily available.
Tehran hesitating to finalize deal to reopen Strait of Hormuz
According to Axios, Trump did not express frustration with Iran regarding Tehran’s reluctance to finalize an agreement with Oman that would allow for the waterway to be reopened.
"It will work out. It always works out. It's like a chess game," Trump said.
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council head, Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, previously outlined a series of conditions it demanded the US abide by in order for the Oman-Iran agreement to proceed.
The demands included the US refraining from threatening or insulting Iran, permanently ending all wars with Iran’s allies, lifting the naval blockade, and releasing all frozen Iranian funds.