President Donald Trump told N12 (News 12 Israel) on Sunday evening that he is not rushing to make a decision on either a deal with Iran or renewed military action, and is betting that economic pressure will force Tehran to change its calculus. Trump said the US is conducting 'very partial' negotiations with Iran and is primarily monitoring the country's inflation and financial straits. 'We are lowering the profile on Iran,' he stated.
President Donald Trump’s latest interview with N12 (Israel’s Channel 12) on Sunday evening reinforces his emerging strategy of relying on economic pressure rather than immediate military action or a diplomatic deal. Trump stated he is not rushing a decision on either a deal with Iran or renewed military strikes, and that he is betting on the massive inflation and lack of funds in Iran to force a shift. He also confirmed the US is conducting 'very partial' negotiations and is primarily monitoring the Iranian economy.
The remarks follow similar statements he made to Axios earlier this evening, in which he said the US is 'lowering the profile' on Iran. The Zioneer reported those statements at 20:02 and 20:11 Jerusalem time. The N12 interview provides additional clarity on Trump’s current thinking, emphasizing patience and economic pressure over escalation.
The broader context: The US and Israel have been discussing potential military strikes on Iran, with a CBS report on Saturday indicating that discussions had taken place about a strike as early as over the weekend, though Trump had not approved. The Wall Street Journal reported last month that Trump is determined to maintain pressure despite setbacks. Trump’s latest remarks suggest he is not yet ready to proceed with a major military operation, preferring to let the economic blockade and sanctions take effect.
What remains open: Trump has not set a timeline for a decision, and the negotiations with Iran remain 'very partial.' The situation continues to evolve.
3 developments
- DevelopingWSJ: Trump Considers Declaring War with Iran Over, Shifts to Economic Pressure
- DevelopingTamir Morag (Channel 14): Trump prefers to keep Iran pressure below full-scale war until US elections; Israeli echelons see economic pressure as key to undermining regime
- DevelopingTrump says he prefers negotiations with Iran, does not want to kill people
- StrongTrump reviewed full-scale war option with Iran but decided against it for now, WSJ reports
Source and signal
- Open-source intake