DistantNews
Support us
Trump: 'I know Iran's economy is struggling'... confident in negotiations with 'low-key response'
๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท South Korea /Elections & Politics

Trump: 'I know Iran's economy is struggling'... confident in negotiations with 'low-key response'

From Dong-A Ilbo · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • U.S. President Donald Trump stated he is responding "low key" to Iran's actions in the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Trump indicated the U.S. is in "semi-negotiating" with Iran, emphasizing America's advantageous position due to Iran's severe economic difficulties.
  • Iran previously demanded the U.S. withdraw forces from the region and lift sanctions as conditions for ending the conflict.

U.S. President Donald Trump has adopted a measured approach to Iran's actions in the Strait of Hormuz, stating that the U.S. is responding "low key." This comes as Iran demands the withdrawal of U.S. forces from the region.

We are low keying it.

โ€” Donald TrumpDescribing the U.S. response to Iran's actions in the Strait of Hormuz.

In a phone interview with Axios, Trump described the current situation as "semi-negotiating" with Iran. He highlighted the U.S.'s strong position, citing Iran's dire economic state, including high inflation and lack of funds. Recent data shows Iran's inflation rate reaching 77% year-on-year, according to the Central Bank of Iran.

We are semi-negotiating with Iran.

โ€” Donald TrumpCharacterizing the current state of U.S.-Iran relations.

Iran's stated conditions for ending the conflict include the lifting of naval blockades, withdrawal of U.S. troops from its vicinity, compensation for war damages, and the release of frozen assets. Iran's Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that the strait would not reopen unless the U.S. changes its attitude and refrains from threatening Iran or disrespecting its values.

We know the situation of Iran, which is suffering from huge inflation and has no money. (Its economy) is in a very difficult situation.

โ€” Donald TrumpExplaining why the U.S. holds an advantageous negotiating position.

Axios reported that Trump, who had considered resuming large-scale military operations just a week prior, has not issued further military threats. He also showed no anger or frustration regarding Iran's delay in announcing an agreement with Oman for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. officials reportedly believe internal conflicts are growing within Iran's leadership, with pragmatists favoring a deal with the U.S. to alleviate economic collapse, while hardliners, led by IRGC Commander Ahmad Vahidi, resist any compromise.

The strait will not be opened unless the United States corrects its attitude and does not threaten Iran in any language and does not insult the sacred values of this nation.

โ€” Mohammad Bagher GhalibafStating Iran's conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.