Trump says Iran options are let Tehran fail economically or ‘hit them really hard’
President Donald Trump stated that his current strategy regarding Iran involves maintaining economic pressure while keeping the option of military escalation open. He dismissed concerns about U.S. munitions shortages, attributing them to previous aid provided to Ukraine.
Why it matters
The rhetoric highlights ongoing geopolitical instability in the Middle East and potential shifts in U.S. military and economic foreign policy.
U.S. President Donald Trump accused Iran of being “devious negotiators” in an interview released late on Monday (August 10, 2026) and described some of his current options in the war — “just bop along” and let Tehran fail economically or hit them “really, really hard.”
“I’m sort of negotiating,” Mr. Trump told Real America’s Voice in a phone interview. “They’re very devious negotiators.” Since the conflict began in late February, Trump has repeatedly oscillated between threats of escalation and claims that a peace deal is imminent. Pakistan said on Tuesday (August 11) that the U.S. and Iran were close to “some sort” of deal, and Qatar said talks on managing the Strait of Hormuz were at an advanced stage, despite reports of new attacks on shipping in regional waters.
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