'I'm their banker': Trump says US controls Iran's frozen assets, threatens action
Donald Trump has threatened Iran with continued economic pressure or military action, claiming the U.S. controls the nation's frozen assets. He characterized Iranian officials as difficult negotiators and reiterated his goal of preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
Why it matters
This statement underscores the ongoing geopolitical tension between the U.S. and Iran and the potential for escalation in the Middle East.
US President Donald Trump said Washington could either keep up economic pressure on Iran and allow its economy to deteriorate further or launch a major military strike, as he accused Tehran of being “devious negotiators”.In an interview with Real America’s Voice released late Monday, Trump said he was “sort of negotiating” with Iran but described the country as a difficult negotiating partner.Trump said Washington could continue with its current approach and allow Iran’s economy to deteriorate further.“Do what I'm doing now: just bop along and look how bad they're doing,” he said, pointing to Iran’s economic difficulties.He said Iran was struggling to access borrowing and that the US had control over frozen Iranian assets. “I'm their banker,” Trump said.Trump claimed Iran’s economy was in severe distress, saying it was facing 300% inflation, a currency with “almost no value” and difficulties paying its soldiers.
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