Trump plans longer Iran blockade amid stalled nuclear talks

United States President Donald Trump has directed his administration to prepare for a prolonged blockade of Iran, aiming to intensify economic pressure while ceasefire conditions remain in place and diplomatic talks remain stalled, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.

The report, citing US officials, said Donald Trump made the decision during recent meetings at the White House with senior national security advisers. The strategy involves continuing restrictions on Iranian oil exports and limiting shipping to and from Iranian ports.

Officials said the move is designed to weaken Iran’s economy and force concessions over its nuclear programme, including demands that Tehran suspend uranium enrichment for up to 20 years and accept strict limitations thereafter.

The report described the approach as a “high-risk bid" but said Donald Trump considers it less risky than resuming military strikes or disengaging from the conflict entirely. During a meeting in the White House Situation Room on Monday, he reportedly concluded that both renewed bombing and withdrawal carried greater risks.

Donald Trump has also rejected a proposal from Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz while delaying nuclear negotiations, arguing that the offer did not demonstrate good faith.

“They better get smart soon!” he said in a post on his social media platform.

A White House spokesperson said the United States had achieved its military objectives and now held “maximum leverage” over Iran through the blockade. The restrictions have significantly reduced maritime activity along key shipping routes.

However, the prolonged measures have contributed to rising global energy prices and increasing domestic political pressure within the United States.

According to the report, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has fallen to its lowest levels since the escalation of hostilities earlier this year, reflecting ongoing uncertainty over whether the crisis will be resolved through negotiation or continue as a prolonged confrontation.