Trump says he's 'Iran's banker' as he bets on money over missiles
TRUMP ON IRAN: “I’M THEIR BANKER.”@POTUS says Iran is under crushing economic pressure and lays out the options still on the table — including continuing to squeeze them financially or “hit them really, really hard.”
— Real America's Voice (RAV) (@RealAmVoice) August 11, 2026
His bottom line is simple: Iran will not be allowed to have… pic.twitter.com/f30JkB2u3x
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump said on Tuesday, August 11, that he prefers maintaining economic pressure on Iran over launching another major military offensive, arguing the United States already holds enough financial leverage to weaken Tehran without escalating the conflict.
Speaking during an interview with Wayne Allyn Root on 'Real America's Voice', Trump described the current phase of the conflict as an "easy, relaxed" approach focused on sanctions, financial restrictions, and economic decline.
He also claimed the United States effectively controls Iran's financial future, declaring, "I'm their banker."
Trump outlines three options
Trump on Iran: I don't talk about strategy. Why should I talk about strategy? But we could just keep, you know, doing sort of nice and easy, relaxed. I'm sort of negotiating. pic.twitter.com/KAJi9TVcbA
— FactPost (@factpostnews) August 11, 2026
Trump said his administration has three possible approaches for dealing with Iran but indicated the current strategy remains his preferred option.
"We could just keep it alone, and they're going to fail. We could just keep... nice and easy, relaxed," he said.
Trump said Iran's economy was deteriorating, citing inflation, a weakening currency, and difficulties paying military personnel as evidence that continued economic pressure could achieve US objectives without additional military operations.
He contrasted that approach with the alternative of striking Iran "really, really hard," while adding that economic pressure already remains a central part of US policy.
Claims US controls Iran's finances
Today, Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control took action against multiple networks spanning several countries for enabling Iran’s rahbar banking system to move hundreds of millions of dollars. Iran is desperate for foreign currency, and to make matters worse for the regime,…
— Treasury Department (@USTreasury) August 7, 2026
"They can't borrow money. We control their money," Trump said before adding, "I'm their banker."
The president said Iran's current economic conditions make the strategy sustainable, arguing the country's financial difficulties continue to deepen without further military escalation.
The Treasury Department on Monday also highlighted the impact of recent sanctions, saying Iran's currency has lost about 20% of its value during the conflict. Officials added that Iran's oil exports had fallen sharply following the reimposition of a US naval blockade.
Talks remain at an impasse
President Trump on Iran: "They're very devious negotiators because they'll agree to something, then they'll go out and tell the press that they never agreed to it. They're very dishonest people." pic.twitter.com/e4Xs21Sh0f
— Joe Rogan Podcast News (@joeroganhq) August 11, 2026
Trump also accused Iranian negotiators of failing to honor agreements reached during negotiations.
"They're very devious negotiators because they'll agree to something, then they'll go out and tell the press that they never agreed to it," he said.
Asked whether the conflict could affect the upcoming midterm elections, Trump said his priority remained preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
Iranian officials have continued to reject US pressure, with senior leaders publicly signaling they will not change their position despite mounting economic challenges.
