US President Donald Trump indicated on Sunday that his administration is pursuing a "low-key" approach with Iran, as it monitors the mounting economic pressure on the country. This comes after months of US military strikes, sanctions, and a naval blockade.
In an interview with Axios, Trump remarked, "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."
Iran's Conditions for Reopening Hormuz
While direct talks between the US and Iran are not currently underway, Tehran is engaged in discussions with Oman. Iran stated that a final agreement with Oman is nearing completion to define new shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway for global oil and gas transport.
However, Tehran reiterated that it would not reopen the strait until the United States meets several conditions. These demands include:
- Compensation for damages caused by widespread attacks on Iran.
- An end to US sanctions.
- Cessation of military threats against Iran.
- A halt to aggression towards Iran's allies in Lebanon, Palestine, Yemen, and Iraq.
- Removal of the US naval blockade in the Gulf.
- Release of frozen Iranian assets.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi confirmed that an agreement with Oman on the strait was in its "final stages" but stressed that the reopening was contingent on US compliance with these demands.
Background to US-Iran Tensions
Tensions between the US and Iran escalated following air strikes launched by the United States and Israel more than five months ago. President Trump stated these attacks aimed to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons and to curb its regional influence.
A ceasefire was agreed upon in June, but the US reimposed a blockade on Iranian shipping in the Gulf in July. Tehran viewed this as a violation of the truce, which by then had already faltered.
A US official, speaking anonymously, clarified that "Once the deal is announced to restore commercial shipping without impediments, the United States will lift the blockade of Iranian ports." The official emphasized that US actions would be directly tied to Iran's fulfillment of its commitments.