Trump reportedly tells team to prepare for prolonged blockade of Iran

According to The Wall Street Journal, US President Donald Trump has instructed his aides to prepare for a prolonged blockade of Iran amid demands that Tehran make concessions on its nuclear programme.

Source: The Wall Street Journal, citing sources; The Times of Israel

Details: The WSJ reports that during recent meetings, Trump decided to continue putting pressure on Iran's economy and its oil exports by obstructing shipping to and from Iranian ports.

It also notes that the US president believes other options – resuming bombing or withdrawing from the conflict – carry greater risks than continuing the blockade.

Background:

• Trump said earlier that Iran wants the US to reopen the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible.
• It was also reported that Iran has indicated it may be willing to agree to an interim deal on reopening the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for Washington lifting the blockade of Iranian ports, while more complex negotiations on Tehran's nuclear programme would be postponed.
• Media reports said that Trump has signalled he is unlikely to accept Iran's latest proposal to end the war.
• As reported by Reuters, US intelligence agencies are assessing how Iran would respond if President Trump were to declare victory in the war with Iran, which has now been ongoing for two months.

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