President Donald Trump stated on Sunday that his administration is “low-keying” its conflict with Iran and relying on economic pressure to take effect, according to an interview with Axios reporter Barak Ravid. Speaking in a brief phone call, Trump described Washington’s current posture as “semi-negotiating” while monitoring Iran’s severe financial crisis and high inflation.
Economic Pressure and Blockade Impact
According to Trump’s remarks reported by Axios and Reuters, the U.S. approach has shifted away from immediate military escalation toward letting mounting economic strains degrade Tehran’s position. Trump asserted that Iran’s regime is in critical financial shape, lacking the funds to pay soldiers, a situation exacerbated by the U.S. naval blockade on Iran-linked shipping. Meanwhile, The Times of Israel reported that oil prices, which surged past $100 a barrel after Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz earlier in the conflict, have since receded to approximately $75 a barrel, easing financial pressure on American consumers.
Strait of Hormuz and Stalled Diplomacy
The diplomatic stalemate follows new conditions laid down by Iran on Saturday regarding the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route that historically carried roughly one-fifth of global commercial oil shipments prior to the outbreak of U.S. and Israeli military actions on February 28. According to Channel 12 and Axios reporting, Tehran’s stringent demands derailed mediators’ expectations that Oman, the U.S., and Iran would finalize an agreement to reopen the waterway. Despite the deadlock, Trump did not threaten military action during his interview with Ravid, characterizing the situation as a chess game that “always works out.”
Internal Divisions in Tehran
U.S. officials cited by Axios noted that the pause in active fighting forces Iran’s leadership to grapple with deepening domestic turmoil. Reporting indicates a sharp internal division within Tehran’s government between a faction led by President Masoud Pezeshkian, which favors negotiating a deal to avert total economic collapse, and a faction led by Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Ahmad Vahidi, which opposes concessions to Washington. Both camps claim alignment with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, whose office reported a recent meeting between Khamenei and Pezeshkian to discuss the nation’s military situation and future prospects.
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