The US president says Washington is ‘low-keying’ its strategy, relying on severe sanctions and inflation to weaken Tehran.
WASHINGTON : US President Donald Trump has indicated a shift toward a restrained approach regarding Iran, emphasizing economic sanctions and financial isolation over immediate military escalation or high-stakes diplomatic talks.
In a telephone interview with news outlet Axios, Trump confirmed that Washington is adopting a less aggressive public posture toward Tehran while closely monitoring the impact of severe internal economic strain on the Iranian government.
“We are low-keying it,” Trump said, describing the administration’s current stance. He added that the US is engaging in only “semi-negotiations” with Iranian officials while relying on the compound effects of hyperinflation and depleted state reserves to achieve American foreign policy objectives.
The strategy reflects a calculated attempt by the White House to maintain maximum economic leverage without engaging in fresh military strikes or drawn-out international summits. Administration officials view Iran’s rising inflation rate, weakening national currency, and restricted foreign currency reserves as factors that severely limit Tehran’s regional maneuverability.
Despite the low-profile approach, military options remain on the table should Iranian forces or proxy groups target American assets or international shipping lanes in the region. Defense officials maintain that military deterrence remains active alongside economic measures.
Tehran has consistently rejected unilateral US sanctions, describing them as economic warfare and demanding a full lifting of restrictions before formal direct negotiations can resume.
