US Ambassador to UN Mike Waltz says Iran fears economic sanctions over military attacks

US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz stated on Fox News Sunday that Iran fears economic sanctions more than military action. Waltz asserted that Iranian negotiators prioritize access to frozen assets and cash, saying, "They are talking about cash, cash, cash. Because they'll absorb the bombings." He characterized the Iranian regime as a "corrupt elite religious fanatic regime" that disregards its military and people. President Donald Trump echoed this sentiment in a call with Axios, noting, "We are just watching Iran with its huge inflation and the fact they have no money." A US official added that while Iran can temporarily ignore economic issues during conflict, the current pause in strikes forces them to confront their dire economic reality.