The Wall Street Journal reported on the 28th, citing U.S. officials, that U.S. President Trump has instructed his aides to prepare for a long-term blockade of Iran.
The report said that in recent meetings, Trump chose to continue pressuring Iran’s economy and oil exports by preventing ships from entering and leaving Iranian ports. Trump believes other options—continuing bombing or withdrawing from military engagement with Iran—are riskier than maintaining the blockade.
The report pointed out that a senior U.S. official stated the blockade is destroying Iran’s economy and prompting a new round of engagement from Iran toward the U.S.
The report said that as the blockade takes effect, Iran may attempt to force the U.S. to choose between escalating the conflict or making concessions.
Iran recently submitted a new negotiation proposal to the U.S. via Pakistan. According to media disclosures, the proposal suggests a three-stage, gradual negotiation process: the first stage focuses on ending the war, the second on safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and the third concerns the Iranian nuclear issue. However, some U.S. officials later told the media that Trump disliked the proposal, as the first two stages did not address the nuclear issue.
Trump Says Iran Wants U.S. to Reopen Quickly
In addition, Trump stated on the 28th that Iran hopes the U.S. will quickly reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
He wrote on social media: "Iran just informed us that they are on the verge of collapse. They want us to reopen the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible. Meanwhile, they are working hard to manage leadership issues (I believe they can do it!)."
Iran Makes All Necessary Arrangements to Respond
Iranian government spokesman Mohajerani stated on the 28th that Iran has made all necessary arrangements to respond to the U.S. maritime blockade.
At a press conference, he said that since the 2024 U.S. presidential election, the Iranian government has studied various scenarios and developed corresponding plans. Iran anticipated a blockade from the U.S. in advance and included this situation in its response plan; all necessary arrangements have been made, and there is no need to worry.
Mohajerani stated that the Iranian government’s main strategy is to maximize its geographical advantage and leverage Iran’s northern, eastern, and western corridors.