Trump on Iran talks: 'Everything will be resolved. It's like a chess game'

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has characterized the ongoing diplomatic situation with Iran, particularly concerning the Strait of Hormuz, as less critical than reported. In a phone conversation cited by the American portal Axios, Trump stated that the United States is not fully committing to negotiations with Iran, describing the engagement as only "partial."

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We are only partially negotiating with them. We are just observing Iran with its huge inflation and the fact that it has no money.

Trump suggested that the U.S. is observing Iran's internal economic difficulties, including significant inflation and a lack of funds, implying that these factors are weakening Tehran's position. He also commented on the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports, asserting that it has exacerbated Iran's economic woes.

Comparing the complex geopolitical situation to a chess match, Trump expressed optimism that a resolution is inevitable. "Everything will be resolved. It always gets resolved. It's like a chess game," he was quoted as saying. Axios also reported statements from U.S. officials who indicated that the president is focused on de-escalation.

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Everything will be resolved. It always gets resolved. It's like a chess game.

Meanwhile, Israeli Iran expert Danny Citrinowicz noted on social media that while Iran's economic situation is indeed dire, it is unlikely that economic pressure alone will compel Tehran to capitulate at the negotiating table or abandon its core strategic interests, such as control over the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has recently tempered expectations for a swift reopening of the crucial waterway, demanding significant concessions from the U.S. beforehand, including the lifting of sanctions and the unfreezing of assets.

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The Iranian economic situation is undoubtedly bad, but it is unlikely that economic pressure alone will force Tehran to capitulate at the negotiating table or abandon key strategic interests.