A U.S. official says the Trump administration believes Iran is suffering intense economic pressure from the naval blockade but hasn't yet agreed to open a lane in the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump provided a new estimate of the blockade's economic impact, stating Iran is losing $500 million per day.
A U.S. official told Axios the blockade is causing 'real economic devastation' and expressed optimism it will pressure Iran into a deal.
Trump added that Iran is being forced into a weaker position and dismissed U.S. media coverage as misleading and 'supportive of Iran.'
Trump provided a specific economic impact figure, stating the blockade costs Iran $500 million daily, and criticized US media as 'fake news' for reporting otherwise.
Trump added a new financial claim, stating the blockade is costing Iran $500 million daily.
A U.S. official detailed the administration's belief that Iran is buckling under the blockade's economic pressure and revealed internal discussions about opening a lane in the Strait as a potential stopgap measure.
