Trump: US ‘only semi-negotiating’ with Iran, observing impact of economic pressure - report

Trump says the US is 'only semi-negotiating' with Iran, watching Tehran's economic struggles. He credits the blockade on Iranian ports for Iran's 'very bad shape.' A US official notes Iran faces economic consequences as strikes pause. Iran hesitates to finalize an Oman-brokered deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with conditions set by Iran's security council head.

US President Donald Trump said the US is 'only semi-negotiating' with Iran, as it watches Tehran struggle under economic pressure. In a phone call with Axios on Sunday, Trump said, 'We are only semi-negotiating with them. We are just watching Iran with its huge inflation and the fact they have no money.' He credited the US blockade on Iranian ports along the Strait of Hormuz for Iran being 'in very bad shape.' A US official told Axios that during active warfare Tehran can postpone dealing with economic consequences, but with strikes paused, it must confront its economic reality. Iran is hesitating to finalize an agreement with Oman to reopen the waterway. Trump expressed no frustration, saying 'It will work out. It always works out. It's like a chess game.' Iran's Supreme National Security Council head, Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, previously set conditions for the deal, including the US refraining from threats, ending wars with Iran's allies, lifting the naval blockade, and releasing frozen Iranian funds.