Trump's killer quote exposes his bind on Iran and inflation

"The president could have chosen different words, but this is what he thinks. The problem, a second Trump adviser acknowledged, is that "Iran has more time, and they're counting on our political calendar to benefit them." Friction point: Iranian officials have made clear they believe time is on their side, and that Trump is sensitive to rising oil prices and market volatility."

"Recent economic data showing a gas-driven inflation spike - and poll numbers suggesting voters blame the president and his fellow Republicans - don't help Trump's case that he can ride this out as long as it takes. Republican pollsters and consultants acknowledge that gas price increases driven by the war in Iran will make it harder to sell their midterm message on issues like tax cuts. But the second adviser insisted Trump is "serious about a non-nuclear Iran," political considerations be damned."

"Trump has made clear ever since a ceasefire was reached six weeks ago that he was in the market for a deal and reluctant to resume the war. His negotiators thought they were getting close to a preliminary agreement with Tehran last week, but Iran's counterproposal disregarded Trump's key nuclear demands. Trump called the Iranian position unacceptable, and threatened a heavy price for Tehran's inflexibility."

"Trump's team is now discussing options for military escalation to break the deadlock, while recognizing the risk of exacerbating the economic turmoil. U.S. officials don't expect Trump to take any dramatic steps during his trip to China, but think he could make his next move immediately afterward."

Trump’s remarks indicate that domestic economic concerns will not stop him from taking necessary actions to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. The nuance may be lost in campaign messaging, while advisers note Iran has more time and is counting on the U.S. political calendar. Iranian officials believe time favors them, and Trump is sensitive to rising oil prices and market volatility. Gas-driven inflation and polling that shows voters blame Republicans weaken the argument that he can wait. Trump remains focused on reaching a deal and has been reluctant to resume war since a ceasefire six weeks ago. Negotiators expected progress, but Iran’s counterproposal ignored key nuclear demands. Trump rejected Iran’s position and threatened consequences, while his team weighs military escalation options despite economic risks. U.S. officials expect no major moves during a China trip, with potential action planned afterward.

Read at Axios