Trump signals shift to economic pressure on Iran over new military strikes

What the report says

United States President Donald Trump said Washington is now leaning on economic pressure, rather than launching new military strikes, to push Iran toward an agreement. In comments to Axios, published by Al Jazeera on August 10, he described the approach as a cautious one after months of conflict and said US officials are monitoring the effect of the war on Iran’s economy.

According to Al Jazeera, Trump said Iran is under severe financial strain because of high inflation and difficulties paying its troops. He also pointed to a US naval blockade that has been in place since April, saying it has added to that pressure. The article noted that oil prices have eased to just above $75 a barrel, which Trump said has helped limit the impact on American consumers.

The report said the remarks come as Oman-mediated talks over reopening the Strait of Hormuz to shipping appear close to a breakthrough. Iran’s foreign ministry has said those negotiations are in their final stages, with both sides nearing agreement on a new shipping route. Tehran has said it will not fully reopen the waterway until the US changes course, including lifting the blockade and ending military actions.

Al Jazeera also reported that a June ceasefire collapsed after disputes over control of the strait, and fighting resumed. Since then, Iran has continued intermittent attacks on US bases in the region, while Iran-aligned Houthi forces in Yemen have announced a separate blockade against Saudi Arabia.