President Donald Trump has signaled a change in the US approach to negotiations with Iran, stating that the US is ‘low-keying’ talks. This shift in strategy comes as Iran has intensified its demands before reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Understanding ‘Low-Keying’
The term ‘low-keying’ has been used by Trump in various contexts, including a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. According to linguists, ‘low-key’ can signify subtlety or restraint, and its use by Trump may indicate a more subdued approach in dealing with Iran.
Trump’s comments also suggest that the US is not actively negotiating with Iran, instead choosing to focus on the economic pressure being applied to the country. US officials believe that Iran’s leverage in the Strait of Hormuz will eventually give way to the significant economic pain inflicted by the US.
Implications of the Shift
The change in approach may be seen as a way for Trump to avoid committing to a specific path forward in the negotiations. By ‘low-keying’ talks, Trump may be attempting to downplay the significance of the negotiations and avoid raising expectations.
The situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains critical, with the waterway remaining functionally closed. The US and Iran have each raised the bar for reopening the strait, suggesting that a deal may be further away than initially thought.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
