Trump Pivots from WWII-Level Threats to "Low-Keying It" on Iran

President Trump told Axios on August 9, 2026, that the US was "low-keying it" on Iran — days after threatening attacks "not seen since World War II" and then cancelling them. Trump credited a naval blockade since April with pushing Iran into "very bad shape" financially. He said Washington was "only semi-negotiating" with Tehran, which denies direct talks.