The Wall Street Journal revealed that U.S. President Donald Trump has instructed national security officials to prepare for imposing a prolonged blockade on Iran’s ports, as part of escalating pressure on Tehran over its nuclear program.
Trump said that “Iran is not negotiating in good faith,” expressing hope of “pushing it to suspend uranium enrichment for up to 20 years, in addition to accepting strict restrictions at a later stage.”
In a post on the Truth Social platform, Trump said: “They had better act smart soon.”
The newspaper quoted informed officials as saying that Trump discussed, during a meeting in the White House Situation Room, options for dealing with the crisis, considering that “resuming the bombing or withdrawing from the war both carry major risks.”
According to the report, the alternative option is for the U.S. Navy to continue pressuring Iranian oil exports, with the aim of gradually reducing them and pushing Tehran to accept U.S. terms by tightening restrictions on its exports and cutting its financial revenues.
In the same context, NBC, citing the White House, reported that “the president will not make any deal unless it puts American national security first,” adding: “Our negotiators remain in contact with the Iranians, who are struggling to resolve their leadership situation.”
