Trump says U.S. is 'low-keying it' with Iran, stresses economic pain, according to Axios interview

Aug 9, 2026

FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office at the White House, February 2, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein/File Photo — Evelyn Hockstein

WASHINGTON, Aug 9 (Reuters) - After months of U.S. military strikes on Iran, sanctions and a blockade, President Donald Trump said on Sunday that his administration is watching economic pressure mount on Iran, according to an interview with Axios.

"We are low keying it," Trump was quoted as saying during a brief phone call. "We are only semi-negotiating with them. We are just watching Iran with its huge inflation and the fact they have no money."

(Reporting by Doina Chiacu; Editing by Sergio Non)

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