President Trump told Axios he plans to maintain a U.S. naval blockade on Iran until Tehran agrees to terms addressing U.S. concerns over its nuclear program, rejecting an Iranian proposal that would have reopened the Strait of Hormuz first and pushed nuclear talks to a later stage.
Trump said he views the blockade as “somewhat more effective than the bombing,” arguing Iran is under severe economic strain and wants relief through a deal. He said he will not lift the pressure while Tehran continues advancing its nuclear program.
No military action has been ordered, but Trump has kept the option on the table if negotiations fail. U.S. Central Command has prepared contingency plans involving a “short and powerful” wave of strikes on Iranian infrastructure, intended to increase pressure on Tehran and bring it back to the negotiating table if diplomacy remains stalled.
