Trump Signals Patience on Iran, Emphasizes Economic Pressure Over Military Action

US President Donald Trump told Israel's Channel 12 on August 9 that the United States is lowering its profile regarding Iran and conducting only partial negotiations. He stressed that the focus remains on Iran's severe economic difficulties, noting the country faces massive inflation and lacks funds to pay its soldiers. Trump highlighted the effectiveness of the US naval blockade and said the drop in oil prices to around $75 per barrel is helping reduce fuel costs in the US.

Trump, who recently considered ordering a large-scale military operation against Iran, no longer threatens new military action. He expressed no frustration over Iran delaying the announcement of an agreement with Oman concerning the Strait of Hormuz, despite Iran imposing new conditions for reopening the strategic waterway.

US officials explained that as long as fighting continued, the Iranian regime avoided confronting the war's harsh consequences, including infrastructure damage and a deepening economic crisis. Without active conflict, the regime must now face a difficult reality with no real solutions. Currently, about 8 million barrels of oil per night transit the southern route of the Strait of Hormuz in coordination with the US military, and Washington aims to increase exports this way until a formal agreement on reopening the strait is reached.

Meanwhile, the Iran-Oman agreement is reportedly nearing completion, expected to be announced soon. It will likely include a temporary 60-day arrangement for the strait, with possible extensions, a renewed ceasefire, and coordinated maritime traffic through Iranian or Omani waters. The deal also reportedly commits to clearing mines from the strait's central channel within 30 days.