Trump Urges Swift Iran Deal as US Port Blockade Intensifies Economic Pressure

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US President Donald Trump.

US President Donald Trump has urged Iran to reach an agreement “swiftly” to bring the war to a definitive end, as diplomatic efforts stall and the US blockade of Iranian ports deepens its economic impact.

Meanwhile, a senior US Department of Defense official estimated that the conflict with Iran, ongoing since 28 February, has cost the United States $25 billion.

A White House official said the president had discussed with oil industry executives the possibility that the blockade of Iranian ports could continue for “months”. US media reports also suggested that Trump is inclined to reject Iran’s latest proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for lifting the blockade.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump had instructed his administration to prepare for a prolonged blockade of Iranian ports in an effort to force Iran to abandon its nuclear programme, based on his belief that Tehran is “not negotiating in good faith”. He is said to be seeking to compel Iran to suspend uranium enrichment for 20 years and accept strict limits thereafter.

Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of US Central Command (CENTCOM), stated that 42 vessels have so far been intercepted while attempting to “breach the blockade”, with 41 oil tankers currently unable to leave Iran. He described the blockade as “highly effective”. Trump himself remarked in an interview with the US news website Axios that “the blockade is a little more effective than the strikes”.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, during a call with Trump, described the decision to extend the ceasefire with Iran as “correct”, according to the Kremlin.

However, Putin also warned of “inevitable and extremely dangerous consequences”, not only for Iran and its neighbours but for the wider international community, should the United States and Israel choose to return to war, the Russian presidency said.


PUKMEDIA