Archive · 12 Aug 2026
Trump: US Is 'Their Banker' Over Frozen Iranian Assets
President Trump is the leader of the United States.
He said that America is holding onto money that belongs to Iran.
He called himself Iran's 'banker.'
Trump says Iran's economy is struggling very badly.
He says prices in Iran are rising very fast and their money is worth almost nothing.
He also says Iran cannot pay its soldiers.
Trump wants to make sure Iran never gets a nuclear weapon, which is a very powerful and dangerous bomb.
He said the US could either keep pressuring Iran's economy or attack it with the military.
Some countries think a peaceful agreement between the US and Iran might be close.
Trump said the US has 'total control' of Iran's frozen assets, declaring 'I'm their banker.'
Trump claimed Iran's economy faces 300% inflation, a currency with 'almost no value,' and unpaid soldiers.
Trump outlined three options: sustained economic pressure, a severe military strike, or a combination of the two.
Trump said his primary objective is to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
Trump rejected concerns over US ammunition supplies and blamed former President Joe Biden for lower stockpiles.
- Who
- US President Donald Trump, speaking in an interview with Real America's Voice.
- What
- Trump said the US has total control of Iran's frozen assets, claimed Iran's economy is in severe distress, and outlined options including continued economic pressure or a major military strike.
- When
- No exact date given; Trump's comments came as the conflict, which began in late February, continued.
- Where
- The United States and Iran; Trump spoke by phone in an interview with Real America's Voice.
- Why
- Trump said his primary reason is to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
Pressure and Military Action
Diplomatic Settlement
Ending the US-Iran conflict
Pressure and Military Action
Trump said the US could keep economic pressure on Iran and let its economy deteriorate, or hit Iran 'really, really hard' with a severe military attack.
Diplomatic Settlement
Pakistan said the US and Iran were close to 'some sort' of agreement, while Qatar said talks on arrangements for the Strait of Hormuz had reached an advanced stage.
Iran as negotiating partner
Pressure and Military Action
Trump accused Iranian officials of being 'very devious negotiators' who agree to something and then deny it to the press.
Diplomatic Settlement
Trump said he was 'sort of negotiating' with Tehran, and the article notes the conflict continued to produce mixed signals over the prospects of a diplomatic settlement.
- Key figure
- US President Donald Trump
- Trump's claim on assets
- 'We have total control of it. I'm their banker.'
- Claimed inflation rate
- 300%
- Primary objective
- Prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon
- Options outlined by Trump
- Sustained economic pressure, severe military strike, or a combination
- Interview outlet
- Real America's Voice
- Conflict start
- Late February
- Diplomatic signals
- Pakistan said the US and Iran were close to 'some sort' of agreement; Qatar said Strait of Hormuz talks were advanced