President Donald Trump said that the US was taking a low-profile approach to negotiations with Iran.
“We are low-keying it. We are only semi-negotiating with them. We are just watching Iran with its huge inflation and the fact they have no money.” Trump told Axios on Sunday. “It will work out. It always works out. It’s like a chess game.”
It appears the President believes that time will improve Washington’s position in negotiations with Tehran. He said that there was less pressure on Americans as oil prices are down over $20 per barrel from the peak during the war. Trump went on to tell Axios that Iran is suffering economically.
The interview was released as Iran gave the US six conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran’s demands included ending threats, withdrawing forces, and a ceasefire in Iran, Gaza, Yemen, Lebanon and Iraq.
Iran is also in the process of negotiating a bilateral agreement with Oman to establish protocols for ships transiting the Strait. The reported deal would give Tehran control over traffic through the Strait and would require vessels to pay a fee that Iran and Oman will split.
Last week, multiple sources said that the agreement was nearly completed. Now, some officials are expressing a pessimistic outlook on any deal that would lead to the Strait of Hormuz reopening.
