President Donald Trump said Iran is "tough" and praised the nation's resilience during a cabinet meeting on Friday [1].

The comments come as the U.S. and Iran face heightened geopolitical tensions that have disrupted critical global shipping lanes. This acknowledgment of Iranian endurance suggests a shift in how the administration views the efficacy of conventional military pressure in breaking the will of the Iranian government.

During the meeting, Trump addressed the ongoing conflict and the perceived strength of the Iranian state. He said that while other entities might have collapsed under similar pressure, Iran has remained steadfast [1].

"Most people would have given up. They haven't. So I give them credit for that... they're tough," Trump said [3].

This assessment follows reports of significant disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Shipping traffic in the waterway reached new lows on Friday [2]. The region remains a volatile flashpoint, with the U.S. monitoring the flow of oil, and commercial goods through the narrow passage.

Trump said that the current strategy is accounting for this resilience. He said that standard attacks may not be sufficient to force a surrender or a total change in behavior from the Iranian leadership [1].

Despite the praise for Iran's toughness, the administration continues to navigate the path toward a resolution. Some reports indicate that a path to ending the war, and reopening the waterway, could be weeks away [2].

Trump said that the tenacity of the Iranian government was a notable factor in the ongoing struggle [1]. "Most people would have given up by now," Trump said [1].

“"Most people would have given up. They haven't. So I give them credit for that... they're tough."”

The President's acknowledgment of Iran's resilience indicates a recognition that economic and military pressure has not achieved a total collapse of the Iranian regime. By crediting the adversary's toughness, the administration may be signaling a transition toward a different diplomatic or strategic approach to resolve the conflict and restore stability to the Strait of Hormuz.