Trump: We Are Handling Iran Calmly, and Negotiations Are a “Game of Chess”

Welat TV – Erbil

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday that his administration is handling the Iran issue “calmly,” noting that it is currently focusing on economic pressure and limited negotiations rather than resorting to a large-scale military operation.

Trump said in a phone call with Axios that Iran is facing a severe economic crisis, with inflation rising and its financial capacity weakening, arguing that the U.S. naval blockade has intensified pressure on the Iranian regime.

He added that negotiations with Tehran would “end well,” describing the negotiating process as “like a game of chess.”

Trump’s remarks come as efforts to reach an agreement regulating maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz face obstacles, despite mediation by Oman between Washington and Tehran.

Tehran has previously set conditions for reopening the strait, including an end to military operations, the lifting of sanctions and the blockade, the withdrawal of U.S. forces from its vicinity, the payment of compensation, and the release of frozen Iranian assets.

Meanwhile, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance said that the confrontation with Iran “is not over,” stressing that diplomatic, economic, and military tools continue to be used.

The stability of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz is linked to broader efforts to end the conflict, given the strait’s importance as a major global energy export route.