President Donald J. Trump declared Tuesday that the United States effectively controls Iran’s economy as he considers shifting the war into what he described as an “easy, relaxed” phase focused on squeezing Tehran financially rather than maintaining the same level of military operations.
Trump said the United States is in a powerful negotiating position because Iran’s ability to sell oil and generate revenue is now heavily dependent on decisions made by his administration. The president summed up that leverage with a blunt declaration: “I’m their banker.”
The president made the remarks during an interview with Wayne Allyn Root on Real America’s Voice, where he discussed his strategy for dealing with Tehran following months of military conflict and intense economic pressure.
Trump suggested the United States does not necessarily need to continue carrying out major strikes at the same pace to maintain pressure on the Iranian government. Instead, he said Washington can take a more measured approach while using its control over sanctions, oil exports and access to international markets as leverage.
The president argued that Iran desperately needs to sell oil to keep its economy functioning. With the United States capable of tightening or loosening restrictions on those sales, Trump said Tehran is increasingly dependent on Washington for access to the money it needs.
Trump’s comments come as his administration attempts to force Iran into an agreement over the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran has demanded major concessions before fully reopening the critical shipping route, including sanctions relief, access to frozen assets and compensation for damage suffered during the war.
The president has rejected those demands and countered with conditions of his own. Trump has argued that Iran should instead compensate Americans harmed or killed by Iranian-backed forces over the years, along with families of Iranian protesters killed by the regime.
Trump also indicated that the economic campaign could give the United States an opportunity to reduce the intensity of military operations without surrendering its leverage. His comments suggest the administration increasingly sees economic pressure as a tool for keeping Tehran weakened while negotiations continue.
The Strait of Hormuz remains central to the standoff because of its importance to global energy markets. Washington has been attempting to secure the restoration of normal commercial shipping while refusing to accept Tehran’s sweeping demands in exchange for reopening the waterway.
Trump’s latest remarks signal that he believes time is increasingly on America’s side. Rather than rushing into a deal or immediately escalating the fighting, the president is arguing that Washington can continue squeezing Iran economically until Tehran accepts terms more favorable to the United States.
The post Trump Says US Now Controls Iran’s Economic Lifeline: ‘I’m Their Banker’ appeared first on Real News Now.
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