Trump says Iran cannot pay its soldiers as blockade strains economy

BAGHDAD, Iraq — U.S. President Donald Trump said Sunday evening that Iran is in severe economic distress and lacks the funds to pay its soldiers. In remarks to a U.S.-based news outlet, Trump said Tehran's economic crisis has deepened due to a maritime blockade, and that ongoing negotiations with Iran are proceeding cautiously rather than through escalation. The U.S. president noted that Iran is battling heavy inflation and suggested that economic pressure could be intensified rather than launching a new military operation. According to U.S. officials who spoke to the Wall Street Journal, Trump could extend the current ceasefire with Iran if Tehran agrees to constrain its nuclear program and fully reopen shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. Central Command said 53 commercial vessels have altered their courses since the maritime blockade against Iran resumed on July 14. Disputes between the two sides persist over the conditions for reopening the strait. Tehran continues to insist on the lifting of the blockade, the withdrawal of U.S. forces and the removal of sanctions, while Washington rejects Iranian-imposed restrictions on shipping traffic. Further details on the negotiations were not immediately available.