Trump on Iran: 'We Are Low-Keying It' Amid Calls for Action
US President Donald Trump indicated on Sunday that he is willing to let economic pressure continue to mount against Iran, appearing to step back from further military strikes even as Tehran maintains firm conditions for any agreement.
"We are low-keying it," Trump said in a brief phone call with the news outlet Axios, according to the report published on Sunday.
The remarks come a week after Trump made renewed threats to hit Iran hard, only to pull back, as he pushes for a negotiated end to the conflict that began on February 28 involving the United States and Israel.
Axios reported that Trump did not express frustration with Iran's delay in agreeing to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has said it will not do so until the US lifts its naval blockade of Iranian ports and removes oil sanctions, as per a memorandum of understanding signed by the two countries in June.
The blockage of the strait, a crucial passage for global oil shipments, has driven fuel prices higher and caused uncertainty in the world economy, putting pressure on the Trump administration with November's midterm elections drawing nearer.
"We are only semi-negotiating with them. We are just watching Iran with its huge inflation and the fact they have no money," Trump was quoted as saying.
He also said falling oil prices have reduced the economic pain for American consumers.
"It will work out. It always works out. It's like a chess game," Trump said of the US approach to Iran.
