Trump: US pressure on Iran persists despite pause in military strikes

President Trump has stated that the pressure on Iran continues, despite a pause in military strikes, and emphasized that the U.S. is ready to escalate if negotiations fail. This comes amid the ongoing fragile ceasefire in the 2026 Iran conflict, which has experienced intermittent breakdowns. Trump’s remarks underline a persistent U.S. strategy that combines diplomatic pressure with the threat of military force, potentially impacting the likelihood of resolving the Iranian blockade soon. The market for the U.S. announcing the end of the Iranian blockade by July 31, 2026, currently indicates a 14% probability, reflecting a modest increase from previous days, yet still suggesting skepticism about a near-term resolution. The market data shows a recent 4-point spike in the probability of a July 31 resolution, rising from 10% to 14%. This movement may be a reaction to Trump’s reassurances of continued pressure, indicating that some market participants view the possibility of a resolution, albeit a slim one. Meanwhile, the August 31, 2026, market reflects a more optimistic 50.5% probability, suggesting that participants might expect potential developments in the coming month. The interim ...