President Donald Trump indicated on August 9, 2026, that he is willing to allow economic pressure on Iran to increase rather than initiating a new military operation. In an interview with Axios, Trump noted that he is not currently making military threats against Iran, despite previous considerations of resuming combat operations. He stated, "We are low-keying it," and mentioned that the U.S. is observing Iran's economic situation, which he described as dire, with high inflation and a lack of funds for military expenditures.
Trump highlighted that oil prices have stabilized at just over $75 per barrel, which he believes is alleviating some economic pressure on American consumers. He referred to the negotiations regarding traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, which involve Iran, Oman, and the U.S., as being in a complex state, with new demands from Iran complicating the process.
Iran's Supreme National Security Council head, Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, outlined new conditions for reopening the strait, including demands for the U.S. to cease threats, end military actions against Iran and its allies, lift the naval blockade, and withdraw military forces. These demands have shifted from being prerequisites for a nuclear deal to conditions for reopening the strait. U.S. officials noted that internal disagreements within the Iranian regime are influencing these negotiations, with some factions advocating for a deal due to economic concerns, while others oppose any concessions.