Trump Vows No Timetable to End Pressure on Iran Amid Economic Collapse

In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera, U.S. President Donald Trump declared that he has no timetable for ending the confrontation with Iran or resuming negotiations. Trump emphasized that Washington will maintain its combined economic and military pressure on Tehran as long as necessary, highlighting that the Iranian economy is collapsing under sanctions and inflation is soaring. "I am not in a hurry. I have no timetable at all," Trump said when asked how long he is willing to wait for Iran to return to the negotiating table.

Trump described the situation in Tehran as dire, with a disintegrating economy, massive inflation, and harsh internal repression, including the killing of many protesters. He asserted that the United States is in a position of exceptional strength and is "winning big." When questioned about whether economic pressure or military actions are more effective, Trump responded that both are effective.

These statements come six months after the direct U.S. campaign against Iran began on February 28, 2026, a conflict that has reshaped the Middle East. Initially, Trump had predicted a short conflict lasting four to six weeks. In June, both sides signed a memorandum to regulate freedom of movement in the Strait of Hormuz, lift sanctions, and address Iran's nuclear issue, but talks have since stalled.

Diplomatic efforts by Qatar and Pakistan to mediate and prevent a broader regional catastrophe continue, but Trump reaffirmed that the combined pressure will persist until Tehran accepts the new reality. Meanwhile, CIA Director John Ratcliffe made a secret visit to Moscow this week, demanding that Russia halt all military support to Iran. Washington is also preparing additional severe economic sanctions against the Iranian regime.