Trump says Iran not ready for 'right deal' amid economic pressure

US President Donald Trump said Friday that Iran was not yet prepared to make "the right deal" with Washington, telling reporters before departing for a campaign rally in South Carolina that tightening economic measures would continue until Tehran accepts comprehensive terms. "They would love to make a deal, but they're not ready to make the right deal, in my opinion," Trump told reporters before boarding Air Force One. He denied that the administration's reliance on economic pressure indicated any limitation on military options, adding that Washington intended to see what happens as sanctions further strain the Iranian economy after nearly six months of war.

Economic deterioration claims

Trump claimed the Islamic Republic faces severe internal deterioration, stating that Iranian forces lack basic operational capacity and funding. "They have no money, they have no navy, they have no air force, they are not paying their soldiers, they're not paying their police. They have 350% inflation," he said. He also asserted that the US maintains "complete control" of the Strait of Hormuz and its surrounding territories in southern Iran — a claim that contrasts sharply with maritime security reports.

Shipping remains crippled

Despite the president's assertions of regional dominance, maritime data indicates the vital waterway remains largely inaccessible to commercial traffic. The UK Maritime Trade Operations reported Friday that shipping through the strait stands approximately 90% below prewar levels due to persistent security risks and attacks on vessels traversing regional waters. Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding in June calling for a cessation of hostilities and restored navigation, though the agreement collapsed within weeks amid chronic disputes over implementation terms.

Conflict origins

The war began in late February when the US and Israel launched a surprise attack against Iranian targets, prompting Tehran to retaliate with strikes on Israel and American military installations across the region. The conflict has now entered its sixth month with no diplomatic resolution in sight, as economic measures continue to tighten against the Islamic Republic.