U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly directed national security officials to prepare plans for a long-term blockade of Iranian ports as part of efforts to pressure Tehran into dismantling its nuclear programme.
According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, Trump has grown increasingly sceptical about Iran’s commitment to ongoing negotiations.
The report, which cited unnamed officials, said the U.S. president wants a deal that would compel Iran to suspend uranium enrichment activities for 20 years and accept stricter nuclear restrictions beyond that period.
Trump reportedly made the decision during a meeting with national security officials in the White House Situation Room on Monday.
The report said Trump concluded that either resuming military bombing campaigns or withdrawing from the confrontation altogether carried significant risks.
As an alternative, he reportedly instructed the U.S. Navy to intensify pressure on Iran’s oil exports, a major source of government revenue, until Tehran agrees to Washington’s demands.
“They better get smart soon!” Trump wrote in a post on his social media platform.
The reported strategy signals a tougher U.S. posture toward Iran amid continued tensions over its nuclear activities and regional influence.
A prolonged maritime blockade could significantly disrupt Iran’s economy, particularly its crude oil exports, which remain central to state finances.
Iran has consistently maintained that its nuclear programme is intended for peaceful purposes, while Western governments have repeatedly raised concerns over uranium enrichment levels and potential weapons development.
Neither the White House nor Iranian officials had officially commented on the report as of the time of filing this report.
The development is expected to heighten geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and could trigger fresh concerns over global oil supply and regional security.
