Trump says US ‘low-keying it’ with Iran, playing down urgency over Hormuz
- Trump says the US is “low-keying it” as Washington focuses on economic pressure rather than new strikes.
- Iran says it is only exchanging messages with Washington through intermediaries as talks over the Strait of Hormuz continue.
US President Donald Trump signaled Sunday that he is prepared to let economic pressure on Iran intensify rather than order additional military strikes, according to Axios.
“We are low-keying it,” Trump said in a brief phone call with the outlet.
Trump said the US was only “semi-negotiating” with Iran while watching its inflation and financial difficulties. He also pointed to falling oil prices, arguing that American consumers were feeling less pressure from the war.
“It will work out. It always works out. It’s like a chess game,” Trump said.
The shift comes after Trump repeatedly threatened further strikes on Iran but stepped back as Washington pushes for an agreement to end the war launched by the US and ‘Israel’ on February 28.
Trump reportedly did not express frustration over Iran’s delay in reaching an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran has demanded that the US first end its blockade of Iranian ports and lift oil sanctions, in line with a memorandum of understanding signed by the two sides in June.
The continued disruption of the strategic waterway has sent fuel prices higher and rattled global markets, increasing pressure on the Trump administration ahead of the November midterm elections.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, meanwhile, pushed back against Washington’s characterization of the discussions, saying Tehran was only “exchanging messages” with the US through intermediaries.
Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has fallen sharply amid attacks on vessels. The UAE said at least one tanker was struck Saturday.
Oman’s Foreign Ministry condemned the repeated attacks without naming Iran.
Iran and Oman are working to finalize a temporary arrangement that would allow the strait to reopen, with vessels entering through the Iranian side and exiting through Omani waters.
Araghchi said talks with Oman over management of the waterway were “approaching the final stages.”
The restraint comes as a new analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies said the war has consumed more of the US military’s already limited stockpiles of advanced missile interceptors.
Trump has rejected claims that the US is running low on munitions, saying Thursday that the country has “massive amounts” of weapons while warning against claims of shortages.
The dispute over US weapons stocks adds another layer of pressure as Washington weighs further military action against Iran while economic measures and negotiations remain at the center of Trump’s strategy.
