WASHINGTON, Aug 10: US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz has claimed that Iran is allegedly prioritising financial issues, particularly the unfreezing of its assets, during negotiations with the United States.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump stated that Washington was negotiating with Tehran at a half-hearted pace, while Iran's economic situation was allegedly deteriorating.
"The Iranians are more afraid of (Treasury) Secretary (Scott) Bessent than they are of Secretary (of War Pete) Hegseth right now. When they're coming to the table to our negotiators, they are talking about cash, cash, cash, because they'll absorb the bombings. They don't care about their military," Waltz told Fox News.
He added that this was precisely what Trump meant when he spoke of pressure on Tehran.
"That, coupled with the blockade, that's what's going to eventually get the Iranians to move," Waltz said.
Tensions in the region escalated after Trump declared the ceasefire agreement reached with Tehran on June 18 no longer valid. Following this, US forces launched a series of strikes against targets in Iran. US Central Command (CENTCOM) explained that the attacks were a response to provocations against civilian vessels sailing through the Strait of Hormuz.
The Iranian military responded with strikes against US bases in several Middle Eastern countries. Tehran also accused Washington of violating the ceasefire agreement.
(UNI)
