WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has said Iran must “raise the white flag” as Washington increases pressure on Tehran.
Trump also said the United States is in direct contact with officials from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Speaking to Fox News on Monday, Trump said he was not in a hurry over the Iran conflict. However, he warned that Tehran must make major concessions.
“They are very good at poker, but they are dying,” Trump said, referring to Iran’s leadership.
Trump Says Iran Cannot Have Nuclear Weapons
Trump again stressed that Iran must not obtain a nuclear weapon under any circumstances.
More Read
He said preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon remains his main and lasting objective.
The statement comes as diplomatic efforts to end the conflict have failed to make significant progress.
Washington and Tehran also face growing disagreements over Iran’s nuclear program and the Strait of Hormuz.
US-Iran Memorandum Faces Uncertainty
A memorandum reached between Iran and the United States in June is now approaching the end of its agreed period.
The memorandum aimed to create a path toward a broader agreement. The discussions covered Iran’s nuclear program, US sanctions and maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
However, tensions have increased instead of easing.
Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz in protest against US efforts to establish an alternative maritime route. The United States has responded by restoring its naval blockade.
As a result, both sides now face a crucial decision. They could extend the diplomatic process or allow the memorandum to collapse and trigger further escalation.
Iran Faces Growing Economic Pressure
Iran also faces serious economic challenges.
More Read
Iranian First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref has urged government institutions to tackle rising prices and control inflation.
He described the pressure on Iran as an “economic war” and called for stronger planning to address the crisis.
US pressure has sharply reduced Iranian oil exports, according to the report. The measures have also contributed to a weaker local currency and rising inflation.
Washington Appears to Narrow Its War Goals
Meanwhile, the Trump administration appears to be narrowing some of its demands toward Iran.
According to CNN, the administration has become more willing to move away from some objectives it set at the start of the conflict.
Initially, Trump and his team demanded complete Iranian surrender, regime change, an end to Iran’s nuclear weapons capability and an end to its support for regional allies.
However, the June memorandum included far fewer of those demands.
US Position on Iran’s Nuclear Material Shifts
The US position on Iran’s enriched uranium has also changed.
Trump has said Iran’s nuclear program has already suffered significant damage. He has also said some nuclear material remains buried at depths that make it difficult to reach.
According to Trump, recovering that material is no longer the main condition.
Instead, he suggested that satellite monitoring could help ensure Iran does not attempt to recover or reuse the material.
Trump has also said Iran is effectively free of nuclear weapons.
Strait of Hormuz Remains Key Dispute
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the biggest disputes between Washington and Tehran.
Shipping through the strategic waterway has fallen sharply amid the conflict.
According to Kpler data cited in the report, only five cargo vessels carrying essential goods passed through the strait on Saturday.
No such vessel passed through on Sunday.
By comparison, 31 vessels crossed the waterway at the start of the previous week.
The sharp decline highlights the growing impact of the confrontation on global maritime trade and energy supplies.
