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According to the Wall Street Journal, the strategy aims to hit Tehran's economy to force it to make concessions on its nuclear program, in a high-risk approach.
United States President Donald Trump has instructed his aides to prepare for a prolonged naval blockade of Iran, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal.
According to the same source, the US president's goal is to hit the regime's economy in Tehran, in a high-risk attempt to force Iran to back down on its nuclear program, a demand that Tehran has long rejected.
"During recent meetings, including a discussion on Monday in the 'Situation Room,' Trump chose to continue pressure on Iran's economy and its oil exports by impeding shipping to and from the country's ports. He assessed that the other options, resuming bombing or withdrawing from the conflict, pose a greater risk than continuing the blockade," officials reported, quoted by the Wall Street Journal.
However, the continued blockade prolongs a conflict that has driven up fuel prices, hurt Trump's approval ratings and worsened Republicans' prospects in the midterm elections. It also saw the lowest number of crossings through the Strait of Hormuz since the war began, according to the report.
On Monday, Trump told his aides that Iran's proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and postpone nuclear talks to the final stage proves that Tehran is not negotiating in good faith, according to the Wall Street Journal.
For now, Trump seems comfortable with an indefinite naval blockade of Iran, which he described on Truth Social on Tuesday as a measure that is driving the country toward “collapse.” A senior U.S. official said the blockade is significantly damaging Iran’s economy, which is struggling to store unsold oil, and that it has prompted Tehran’s new approach to Washington.
In any case, Trump's decision represents a new phase of the conflict and highlights that the American president, who usually seeks a quick victory, does not have an easy solution in this situation.
Officials emphasize that Trump is not willing to give up on the demand that Iran commit to, at least, suspending uranium enrichment for 20 years and accepting restrictions even after that period.
Meanwhile, as the pressure of the blockade increases, Iran may try to force the United States to choose between escalating the conflict or backing down and reaching a deal. According to estimates, Tehran may resume attacks on energy production in the region or target American warships, since, despite the damage to its conventional fleet, it still has the capacity to cause tensions with American forces.
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