President Donald Trump said Friday that military action against Iran remains a possibility, making clear that his administration’s new emphasis on economic warfare against Tehran does not mean the United States has taken the use of force off the table.
Speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews, Trump was asked whether the shift toward an aggressive economic campaign against the Islamic Republic meant that Washington’s military options had become more limited.
“No, not at all,” the President replied. “It just means that we’re seeing what happens. They have no money, they have no navy, they have no air force, they have 350% inflation. So we’re just going to sort of see what happens.”
Trump on Iran:
They would love to make a deal, but they are not ready to make the right deal, in my opinion. pic.twitter.com/YR5yxQu37O
— Clash Report (@clashreport) August 21, 2026
Trump pointed to what he described as overwhelming American control in the region, including around the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz, as evidence of the pressure currently being exerted on Tehran.
“We have total control, as you know, of the border. We have total control, if you look at the blockade, we have total control of that entire region having to do with the Strait of Hormuz. And that means well into it, the land areas,” Trump continued.
Despite the mounting pressure, Trump suggested that Tehran remains interested in reaching an agreement with Washington, but said Iranian leaders have not yet shown a willingness to accept terms that he considers satisfactory.
Iran “would love to make a deal, but they are not ready to make the right deal, in my opinion,” Trump said.
The President’s remarks came just two days after he unveiled a sweeping new economic campaign targeting Iran, describing the effort as an “economic D-Day” intended to further isolate and weaken the Islamic Republic.
In announcing the initiative on Truth Social, Trump warned that governments and other entities continuing to provide economic assistance to Iran could themselves face consequences from the United States.
“These maniacs are on the ropes, and these HISTORIC MEASURES will cripple them and their ability to project terror worldwide. IRAN WILL NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON,” he wrote.
The administration’s latest moves follow the expiration Tuesday of a 60-day negotiating period between Washington and Tehran. Trump said at the time that there were neither active negotiations nor any new talks scheduled between the two countries.
“There are no talks or conversations going on, or scheduled, with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Naval Blockade remains in full force and effect. The Hormuz Strait is open and operating. All water mines have been removed or detonated.”
Trump’s latest comments underscore that while the White House is currently seeking to squeeze Tehran through economic and strategic pressure, the administration is continuing to preserve the possibility of military action if Iran refuses to reach an agreement acceptable to Washington.
{Matzav.com}
