Donald Trump has vehemently rejected Iran’s latest proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, instead reaffirming his administration’s naval blockade of the crucial trade route. The former US president stated that the sanctions would remain in place, claiming Iran is “choking like a stuffed pig” and must abandon its nuclear ambitions.
Tehran had reportedly offered to reopen the 24-mile-wide waterway, a vital conduit for global oil and gas shipments, on the condition that the US lift its blockade and cease demands for the dismantling of its nuclear program. However, Trump dismissed the offer, insisting that US negotiators are in no hurry for peace unless Iran’s leadership, referred to as “the mullahs,” gives up its pursuit of nuclear weapons.
Sources close to the former president indicate he has instructed aides to prepare for an extended blockade, aiming to cripple the regime’s essential oil and gas exports. Trump told Axios, “They are choking like a stuffed pig. And it is going to be worse for them. 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.”
Trump also asserted that Iran’s oil storage and pipelines are nearing capacity due to the ongoing pressure. He reportedly met with top oil executives to discuss contingency plans for a prolonged siege of the strait, with White House sources indicating discussions focused on minimizing impact on American citizens.
Earlier, Trump had issued stark warnings to the Iranian regime, including an AI-generated image of himself wielding a rifle, declaring “no more Mr Nice Guy.” He has consistently maintained that Iran is in a “state of collapse” and must “get smart soon” regarding a non-nuclear deal.
The former president also controversially claimed that King Charles III agreed with him that Iran “can never have a nuclear weapon” during a state visit, a statement that drew attention given the monarch’s traditionally apolitical stance.
Despite the firm stance, Trump acknowledged that Iran is “coming closer to reaching terms he deems acceptable,” but reiterated that “there will never be a deal unless they agree that they won’t have nuclear weapons. They have to say: ‘We give up’.”
Oil prices have continued to soar amidst the ongoing tensions and blockades, with the US reportedly maintaining its prevention of shipping to and from Iranian ports.
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