US President Donald Trump said Sunday that the US is taking a low-key approach towards Iran and is not currently looking to launch a new military offensive, even as tensions over the Strait of Hormuz continue.
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“We are low keying it,” Trump told Axios in a brief phone call, adding that the US was only “semi-negotiating” with Iran while watching its worsening economic situation.
“We are only semi-negotiating with them. We are just watching Iran with its huge inflation and the fact they have no money,” Trump said.
Trump said Iran was “in very bad shape” economically and that the US naval blockade has worsened the crisis. He also said lower oil prices, at slightly above $75 a barrel, meant American consumers were facing less economic pain from the conflict.
“It will work out. It always works out. It’s like a chess game,” Trump further said.
His remarks come as talks on an agreement involving Iran, Oman and the US to reopen the Strait of Hormuz remain stalled. Iran has issued additional demands for reopening the key shipping route, including an end to the US naval blockade and withdrawal of US forces from around Iran.
Trump did not issue any new military threats against Iran in the interview. Although last week, US officials had indicated that he was considering resuming major military operations against the country. However, another WSJ report claimed that Trump might be willing to end Iran war even without the nuclear deal with agreement on reopening Hormuz.
Read more: Backed into a corner? Trump ready to end Iran war without nuclear deal – report
