US President Donald Trump has directed aides to prepare for a prolonged blockade of Iran, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal citing American officials, signaling a tougher stance in the ongoing conflict.
During recent meetings, Trump chose to intensify economic pressure by restricting shipping to and from Iranian ports. Officials said he considers alternative options, such as resuming military strikes or disengaging from the conflict, to carry greater risks than maintaining a sustained blockade. As a result, the administration is focusing on limiting Iran’s oil exports and broader trade flows.
Moreover, Trump claimed that Tehran had informed Washington it was in a “state of collapse” and was attempting to stabilize its leadership. However, the mechanism of this communication remains unclear, and Iranian authorities have not issued an immediate response to these remarks.
Meanwhile, Iran recently proposed a framework to resolve the two-month conflict by postponing discussions on its nuclear programme until hostilities end and maritime disputes are settled. Nevertheless, US officials indicated that Trump rejected this sequencing and insisted that nuclear issues must be addressed at the outset of any negotiations.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump reiterated his position, stating that Iran had urged the United States to reopen the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible while it works through internal political challenges.
However, uncertainty continues to surround the situation. Earlier, an Iranian army spokesperson told state media that the country does not consider the conflict over, suggesting that tensions may persist despite ongoing diplomatic signals and mounting economic pressure.
