Trump: US to Keep Iran Port Blockade Until Nuclear Deal

President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that the United States will maintain its naval blockade of Iranian ports until Tehran agrees to a nuclear deal, rejecting an Iranian proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for lifting the siege.

In an interview with Axios, Trump described the blockade as more effective than prior military actions. "The blockade is somewhat more effective than the bombing. They are choking like a stuffed pig. And it is going to be worse for them. They can't have a nuclear weapon," he said. Trump emphasized that he has no intention of ending the blockade, which he views as key leverage to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Earlier, he posted an AI-generated image of himself holding a rifle on Truth Social, captioned "No more Mr. Nice Guy," alongside a message urging Iran to agree to a non-nuclear deal.

The U.S. proposal comes amid a fragile ceasefire reached earlier this month following conflict that began on February 28. U.S. forces have captured at least two commercial ships linked to Iran and redirected 39 vessels in regional waters in recent weeks, according to military statements. Iran has responded by seizing ships it...