Trump Cites Iran's Inflation, Lack of Money

Iran has announced that an agreement with Oman on new shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz is in its final stages.

However, Tehran will not open the waterway until the US ends its attacks against Iran and its allies in Lebanon, Palestine, Yemen and Iraq.

Washington must also lift the blockade of Iranian ports and sanctions, unfreeze Iranian assets and compensate the country for damages caused during the conflict. The demands also include the withdrawal of US forces from the region.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also stated that Tehran is not negotiating directly with Washington and that communication is taking place through intermediaries.

US President Donald Trump indicated to Axios that he does not want to further escalate the conflict militarily at this time. “We are low-keying it”, he said, adding, “We are only semi-negotiating with them. We are just watching Iran with its huge inflation and the fact they have no money.”

(Reuters, est)