Trump Uncertain if Iran Will Surrender as Conflict Enters Seventh Month

President Donald Trump has expressed uncertainty over whether Iran will 'give up' in its war against the US, stating that he doesn't know if they are going to give up yet but insists they'll eventually do so. The Islamic regime is reportedly doing 'very poorly' in the conflict, which has seen a US naval blockade cut off Iran's financial lifeline - oil exports - and severely impacted the country's economy.

The economic costs of the war have led to a sharp decline in Iran's currency, with the rial hitting a new low of over 2.5 million to the US dollar just 27 days after reaching its previous record low of 2.2 million. The Iranian economy has been under duress for years due to international sanctions, but the recent blockade and sanctions have sent it into free fall.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said indirect negotiations with the US aimed at reopening the critical Strait of Hormuz have become 'more serious'. The talks are focused solely on opening the strait, which is a key chokepoint in the war. Officials have confirmed that mediators are working to broker a deal to end the fighting and open the strait.