Trump says US 'low-keying' talks with Iran amid deadlock on Hormuz: 'Will work out, it's like chess game'

Trump's statement signalled the US' decision to refrain from more military strikes while Iran poses tough conditions to open the strait.

Updated on: Aug 10, 2026, 06:40:31 IST

Edited by Akanksha Verma

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

US President Donald Trump on Sunday said Iran's economy was in a “very bad shape” and his administration was just going to watch the economic pressure mount amid ongoing talks to open up the Strait of Hormuz.

US President Donald Trump gestures as he boards Air Force One on August 9, 2026 at Morristown Airport in Morristown, New Jersey. (Getty Images via AFP)

Trump's statement signalled the US' decision to refrain from more military strikes while Iran poses tough conditions to open the strait. "We are low-keying it. We are only semi-negotiating with them. We are just watching Iran with its huge inflation and the fact they have no money," news outlet Axios quoted him as saying.

ALSO READ: Trump ready to drop Iran nuclear deal push if Tehran reopens Hormuz: Report

It will work out. Like a chess game: Trump

Trump, who was making threats only a week ago, displayed unusual composure as he said, “It will work out. It always works out. It's like a chess game.”

The US president observed that America's naval blockade has worsened the Iranian regime's economic crisis. Tehran has demanded that the US first end its blockade of Iranian ports and lift oil sanctions.

ALSO READ: Mojtaba Khamenei ‘meets’ Iran President after ‘critical’ health reports; What was discussed?

According to the report, Trump did not show any signs of exasperation as Iran's latest demands lead to further delay in the opening of the key waterway. The Strait of Hormuz, through which one-fifth of the world's oil and natural gas pass, has been shut since US and Israel launched a war on Iran on February 28.

Trump indicated that adopting this wait-and-watch policy was made easier as oil prices were falling and the American consumers were feeling "less pain from the war".

What Iran said on talks with the US

Iran meanwhile has denied the reports of direct negotiations with the US. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi said on Sunday the two sides were not engaged in talks. Tehran has been demanding that the US fulfil its side of the interim deal reached in June in order to resume direct talks. Aragchi said messages between Iran and the US were being exchanged via intermediaries.

According to the memorandum signed between the two warring nations, Iran has sought US compensation for its widespread attacks and called for lifting of all blockade and sanctions against it. Tehran has further demanded end of US aggression to Iran and its allies in Lebanon, Palestine, Yemen and Iraq.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest World News, breaking headlines and global updates from the US, UK, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Russia and other countries. Follow major international events on Hindustan Times.