President Donald Trump has signaled that he is prepared to let economic pressure on Iran build rather than launch new military strikes. Despite a series of threats to strike Iran hard, the president stated that the U.S. is only semi-negotiating with Tehran regarding the Strait of Hormuz.
The administration is currently relying on sanctions and a naval blockade, while stabilizing oil prices have eased the economic strain on American consumers. Trump claims that these economic challenges will continue to harm Iran, even if U.S. negotiators fail to clinch a deal to reopen the Strait.
The stalemate persists as Iran warns the Strait will remain shut until the U.S. meets six crucial conditions. Meanwhile, reports indicate that the president is privately considering abandoning nuclear goals.