Trump Settles on an Option Regarding the Future of Confrontation with Iran

Middle East News Network: The Wall Street Journal reported that President Donald Trump has instructed his aides to prepare for a long-term naval blockade on Iran, in an effort to force Tehran to surrender on the nuclear issue.

According to U.S. officials cited by the newspaper, Trump believes that maintaining the blockade is less risky than the other two alternatives: resuming airstrikes or fully withdrawing from the conflict.

The decision came after intensive security discussions at the White House, during which the president viewed keeping Iranian ports closed to maritime traffic—especially oil tankers—as an effective means of pressure.

Meanwhile, Trump rejected an Iranian proposal to resolve the crisis in three stages, which included reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending the war, while postponing negotiations over the nuclear program until a later stage.

The newspaper indicated that Trump is receiving conflicting advice regarding future steps toward Iran.

Some officials are publicly urging the White House to intensify pressure on Tehran, while others are expressing concerns that the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz or ongoing military operations could harm the U.S. economy and negatively affect the Republican Party’s chances in the upcoming midterm congressional elections.

Trump recently wrote on his Truth Social platform that Iran had informed him it was in a “state of collapse” and facing a leadership crisis, and that it was requesting the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz “as soon as possible.”

Source: TASS