Trump on Monday signaled a stark choice for Tehran — endure mounting economic pressure or face intensified US military action — as diplomatic efforts over a possible deal continue
US President Donald Trump has accused Iran of employing “devious” tactics in negotiations, while presenting two sharply different options for dealing with the ongoing conflict — allowing Tehran’s economic situation to worsen or escalating military action significantly.
“I’m sort of negotiating,” Trump told Real America’s Voice in a phone interview released late Monday, Reuters reported.
“They’re very devious negotiators,” the US President added.
Trump has repeatedly shifted between threatening further military action against Iran and suggesting that a diplomatic agreement could be possible as the conflict continues.
His remarks came as Pakistan said on Tuesday that Washington and Tehran were nearing “some sort” of deal.
Qatar also said discussions on security arrangements for the Strait of Hormuz had reached an advanced stage, even as fresh reports emerged of attacks on vessels in the region.
Outlining the first option, Trump said Washington could continue its current approach and allow Iran’s economic problems to deepen.
“Do what I’m doing now: just bop along and look how bad they’re doing,” he said.
“Economically, they are a mess. They can’t borrow money. We control their money, what they had, which is a lot. They had a lot, and we have total control of it. I’m their banker,” Trump said, referring to frozen Iranian assets.
At the same time, Trump suggested that the US could pursue a far more forceful military response.
“Hit them really, really hard,” he said.
Trump also rejected concerns that the conflict could leave the US short of ammunition, arguing that American weapons production was rapidly replenishing stocks.
“We’re fine with munitions… But the reason it would be lower, and we’re building them like crazy, but the reason it’s low is because he (Biden) gave $300 billion worth to Ukraine,” Trump said, blaming former President Joe Biden for the depletion of US stockpiles.
Reuters reported last week that the US Army had used a significant portion of its stock of precision-guided, long-range missiles during the conflict.
The development has raised concerns about the readiness of the US military to respond to potential future conflicts.
Trump’s latest comments underline the uncertainty surrounding Washington’s approach to Tehran, with diplomatic efforts continuing alongside renewed warnings of possible military escalation.
With inputs from agencies
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