Trump Says Maritime Blockade on Iran Will Continue Until Nuclear Deal Is Reached, Calling It More Effective Than Bombing

[Financial News] Donald John Trump, President of the United States, said he would maintain a maritime blockade on Iran until it agrees to a deal that addresses U.S. concerns over its nuclear program.
On the 29th local time, the U.S. political news outlet Axios reported that Trump said in a 15-minute phone interview that "the blockade is somewhat more effective than bombing." According to the report, he added that "Iran is suffocating right now, and the situation will get worse," stressing that "they cannot have nuclear weapons." He also said, "Iran wants a deal. It does not want me to keep the blockade in place," and added, "I do not want to lift the blockade because I do not want them to have nuclear weapons."
Axios also cited multiple sources familiar with the matter as saying that the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) is preparing short-term, heavy airstrikes against Iran to break the negotiating deadlock. The move is intended as a contingency in case Iran does not yield to the blockade. Axios said that no military action order had been issued as of the night of the 28th.
Expectations that the maritime blockade on Iran will be prolonged have already surfaced in several media reports. The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that Trump instructed his aides to prepare for a long-term maritime blockade to force Iran to give up its nuclear program. There have also been reports that Trump recently met with refiners and mentioned the possibility that the blockade could continue for several more months.
Since Trump declared a ceasefire without setting a deadline on the 21st, the standoff has continued, with no military strikes and no face-to-face talks. He is pressuring Iran to abandon its nuclear program, including uranium enrichment, dismantling nuclear facilities, and halting future enrichment. Iran, however, is insisting that the opening of the Strait of Hormuz and an end to the war be discussed first, with the nuclear issue to be addressed later.
whywani@fnnews.com Hong Chaewan Reporter