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

US President Donald Trump spoke with Israeli journalist Barak Ravid, clarifying that he is not rushing to either reach a new agreement or engage in war with Iran despite his recent threats. Trump indicated that the US strategy is to let economic sanctions weaken Iran over time, expecting Tehran to eventually back down. "We are lowering the profile on Iran, just monitoring and negotiating very partially," Trump said, emphasizing Iran's dire economic situation. He compared the situation to a chess game, stating, "It always works out in the end."

This stance contrasts with Trump's statement just a week earlier, when he threatened to launch "the biggest attack since World War II." However, in a later interview, he refrained from threatening Iran despite recent attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Senior US officials confirmed that Trump has decided to rely on economic pressure rather than military action. They noted that while the US can stabilize fuel prices, Iran will bear the economic consequences of ongoing sanctions that block its fuel exports, severely damaging Tehran's economy.