Trump signals shift to economic pressure on Iran

US President Donald Trump on Sunday (9/8) signalled his country’s readiness to rely on steadily increasing economic pressure on Iran, rather than immediately launching new military operations, according to an interview with Axios.

“We’re doing it with a less conspicuous approach,” Trump told Axios.

Trump said Washington was only halfway through negotiating with Tehran, while closely monitoring Iran’s increasingly deteriorating economic conditions.

“We’re just watching Iran with very high inflation and the fact that they have no money,” he said.

Trump argued that Iran is in a very poor financial state and is struggling to pay its soldiers’ salaries.

According to him, the naval blockade imposed by the US has increased pressure on the Iranian government and further worsened the country’s economic crisis.

He said the economic impact of the conflict on American citizens has eased as oil prices fell to just above 75 US dollars per barrel.

“This will end well. It always ends well. It’s like a game of chess,” Trump said regarding the confrontation with Tehran.

On 18 June, Washington and Tehran signed a framework agreement and began negotiations towards a final deal. However, the talks subsequently stalled due to differences over security guarantees and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Last month, tensions rose again when the United States launched strikes on Iranian territory.

In retaliation, Tehran attacked what it described as US military facilities and equipment in several Arab countries, particularly Jordan, Bahrain and Kuwait.