*TRUMP WEIGHS ECONOMIC PRESSURE OR MILITARY ESCALATION AGAINST IRAN: RTRS *TRUMP CLAIMS U.S. HAS 'TOTAL CONTROL' OVER FROZEN IRANIAN ASSETS: RTRS *TRUMP DISMISSES MUNITIONS SHORTAGE CONCERNS, BLAMES BIDEN: RTRS
- President Trump stated in an interview that his current strategy regarding Iran involves maintaining economic pressure to force a collapse, while keeping the option to "hit them really, really hard" as a military alternative. - Trump characterized Iranian leadership as "devious negotiators" and asserted that the U.S. maintains "total control" over frozen Iranian assets, effectively acting as the nation's banker. - Despite reports of depleted long-range missile stockpiles, Trump dismissed concerns regarding U.S. military readiness, stating that production is ramping up and blaming former President Biden for the current inventory levels. - The comments follow reports from Pakistan and Qatar suggesting that diplomatic efforts regarding a peace deal and the management of the Strait of Hormuz are at an advanced stage, even as regional shipping attacks persist.