US President Donald Trump has said the United States will continue its naval blockade of Iran until Tehran agrees to a deal that addresses Washington’s concerns over its nuclear program.
Trump also rejected an Iranian proposal that would first reopen the Strait of Hormuz and ease the blockade on nuclear talks, insisting the pressure must remain in place.
‘Slightly more effective than bombing’: Trump on blockade strategy
In an interview with Axios, Trump called the naval blockade a central tool of leverage against Tehran, even suggesting it could be more effective than military strikes.
“A blockade is a little more effective than bombing. They suffocate like a stuffed pig. And it’s going to be worse for them. They can’t have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said.
He added that Iran is under great economic pressure due to its inability to export oil.
Iran “wants to settle down,” Trump claims
Trump said Tehran was seeking relief from the blockade and wanted to return to negotiations.
“They want to settle down. They don’t want me to hold the blockade. I don’t want to (lift the blockade) because I don’t want them to have a nuclear weapon,” he said.
He also claimed that Iran’s energy infrastructure was under pressure.
“Iran’s oil depots and pipelines are about to explode because Iran can’t export oil,” Trump told Axios.
A military option is still on the table
According to the intelligence source, which cited three sources familiar with the matter, US Central Command (CENTCOM) has prepared contingency plans for a “short and powerful” series of attacks on Iranian infrastructure if diplomacy fails.
The aim of the proposed strikes would be to increase pressure on Tehran and force a return to negotiations, the server said.
‘Cry uncle’: Trump escalates rhetoric on Iran
During an Oval Office event with the Artemis II astronauts, Trump used blunt language when asked how long the blockade would continue.
“We wiped them out militarily. They have no army there,” he said.
“The Navy is at the bottom of the sea. The Air Force will never fly again,” Trump added.
“He must cry now, uncle. That’s all he has to do. Just say, ‘We give up. We give up.’ But their economy is really in trouble. It’s a dead economy.”
