Trump Says US Is Lowering Profile on Iran, Prefers Economic Pressure Over Military Action

In an interview with Axios, US President Donald Trump stated that the United States is deliberately lowering its profile in dealings with Iran. He emphasized his preference for increasing economic pressure on Tehran rather than resorting to military action. Trump expressed no frustration over delays in announcing an agreement to open the Strait of Hormuz, describing the current engagement with Iran as "only half negotiations" and likening the situation to a chess game. He noted that the US is currently observing the significant inflation in Iran and remains confident that the situation will eventually resolve itself.