Trump has ordered preparations for a prolonged blockade of Iran
US President Donald Trump has instructed his advisers to prepare for a prolonged blockade of Iran. According to US officials, the aim is to put pressure on the country’s financial resources in order to force Tehran to make concessions regarding its nuclear programme. This is reported by ThePublic, citing The Wall Street Journal.
During recent meetings, including discussions in the Situation Room on Monday, Trump decided to continue economic pressure by restricting shipments to and from Iranian ports. He believes that other options, such as resuming bombing or withdrawing from the conflict, carry greater risks.
Continuing the blockade means prolonging a conflict that has already affected fuel prices, the president’s approval ratings and the Republican Party’s standing ahead of the mid-term elections. The number of vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz has also fallen.
Since the cessation of large-scale bombing on 7 April, Trump has repeatedly ruled out escalation, opening the door to diplomacy. At the same time, he seeks to increase pressure on Iran until the country agrees to his key demand for the complete dismantling of its nuclear programme.
According to US officials, Trump rejected Iran’s proposed three-stage plan, which envisaged the resumption of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and the advancement of nuclear talks to the final stage. Washington believes that this proposal does not demonstrate a willingness to engage in genuine negotiations.
The president himself stated on the social media platform Truth Social that the blockade is bringing Iran closer to a “state of collapse”. One senior official noted that these measures are putting significant pressure on the country’s economy and complicating oil storage.
The White House acknowledges that none of the options guarantees a swift end to the conflict. A cessation of hostilities could ease tensions, but would allow Iran to dictate the terms. A resumption of hostilities could weaken Iran, but would pose risks to the region’s energy infrastructure. The blockade is reducing the Islamic Republic’s revenues, but entails a prolonged US military presence in the Middle East.
Brookings Institution expert Suzanne Maloney noted that Iran expects to withstand the blockade longer than the US is prepared to prevent an energy crisis.
White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly stated that thanks to the blockade, the US has gained maximum leverage in negotiations to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
There are also differences of opinion in Washington regarding the next steps. Some allies are calling for continued pressure, whilst others are warning of the economic consequences. Negotiations between the US and Iran remain deadlocked for the time being.
Iran has informed the mediators that it needs time for consultations before submitting an updated proposal. Meanwhile, the parties continue to hold opposing positions on the terms of a possible settlement.
