President Donald Trump says the United States is “low-keying it” in its war with Iran, as the conflict enters a sixth month, according to interviews and reporting cited by multiple outlets. In comments attributed to a conversation with Axios, Trump says the U.S. is applying economic pressure and says it is “semi-negotiating,” while monitoring Iran’s economic conditions.
Several outlets report that the approach emphasizes sanctions and a naval blockade rather than ordering new strikes right away. Times of India and Korea Times add that diplomacy and backchannel talks are continuing as both sides test leverage and Iran issues demands linked to lifting U.S. measures. Other outlets similarly describe Trump as signaling openness to economic measures while keeping military options available, though they differ in emphasis—some focus on avoiding further escalation, others on letting inflation and financial pressure in Iran constrain Tehran.
Overall, the sources converge on Trump’s stated shift toward sustained economic pressure and a lower-profile posture toward military action, alongside ongoing negotiations over terms related to ports, oil sanctions, and the Strait of Hormuz.
