Trump: Iranian naval blockade stays until Tehran agrees to nuclear deal - Axios

As reported by Axios and carried by The Jerusalem Post, US President Donald Trump has reiterated his stance that Iran will remain under a naval blockade until it agrees to a nuclear deal addressing US concerns. Trump described the blockade as "somewhat more effective than bombing," asserting that it is choking Iran and preventing it from obtaining nuclear weapons.

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The blockade is "somewhat more effective than bombing." "They are choking like a stuffed pig. And it is going to be worse for them. They can't have a nuclear weapon."

This firm position comes as US Central Command (CENTCOM) is reportedly developing contingency plans for a swift and decisive military strike against Iran. Sources indicate these potential strikes would target infrastructure, aiming to break the negotiating deadlock and compel Tehran to return to the table with greater flexibility. Trump, however, views the continuation of the blockade as the primary leverage, with military action as a fallback if Iran does not concede.

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They want to settle. They don't want me to keep the blockade. I don't want to [lift the blockade], because I don't want them to have a nuclear weapon.

Meanwhile, a senior Iranian security source, cited by Iran's state-run broadcaster Press TV, has issued a strong warning. The source stated that the US naval blockade will "soon be met with practical and unprecedented action." While Iran's military has shown restraint to allow diplomacy a chance, the source emphasized that patience has limits and a punishing response is deemed necessary if the blockade persists. This exchange highlights the escalating tensions and the high-stakes diplomatic and military maneuvering between the US and Iran over its nuclear program.

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US President Donald Trump mimics firing a gun during a news conference in the White House briefing room about the war in Iran on Monday, April 6, 2026.