Iran responds to Trump's comparison of relations to chess
Iran has responded to Trump's comparison of dialogue to a chess game. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said Iranians are professional chess players. Trump earlier called the talks 'half-negotiations,' noting inflation in Iran. The White House plans to intensify economic pressure, refraining from military strikes. Baghaei also said it is too early to talk about the security of the Strait of Hormuz due to the US blockade.
Iranian diplomat Esmail Baghaei responded to US President Donald Trump's words comparing the dialogue between the countries to a chess game. At a weekly press conference in Tehran, Baghaei stated that Iranians are traditionally strong in strategic confrontations and used a metaphor: 'Iranians have shown that they are professional chess players, whether the lights are off or on.' Earlier, Trump in an Axios interview characterized the current dialogue as 'half-negotiations,' noting Iran's dire economic situation and high inflation, and expressed confidence in a favorable outcome. The White House, according to the article, intends to intensify economic pressure, temporarily refraining from new military strikes after Tehran's conditions on shipping. Baghaei also addressed the situation with the Strait of Hormuz, saying it is premature to talk about its security because the US continues a naval blockade and allows other violations. The article does not contain additional details about Iran's specific conditions or the US reaction to Baghaei's statements.