Trump has intensified pressure on Iran to agree to a deal amid ongoing conflict, warning Tehran to act quickly or face further economic consequences
Washington
His remarks come as reports suggest Washington is preparing to extend its blockade of Iranian ports, signaling a tougher stance following stalled negotiations.
In a post on Truth Social, President Donald Trump urged Iran to “get smart soon” and finalize an agreement, expressing frustration over the lack of progress in diplomatic efforts. Trump reiterated his long-standing position that Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons and indicated that Tehran has failed to respond effectively to negotiation opportunities.
The statement follows reports from The Wall Street Journal that the U.S. administration is considering extending its blockade of Iran’s ports. According to officials cited in the report, Trump has instructed his aides to prepare for a prolonged economic squeeze aimed at forcing Iran to concede. The strategy is seen as an alternative to more aggressive actions such as renewed military strikes or disengagement from the conflict, both of which carry significant risks.
Officials believe that maintaining pressure on Iran’s economy, particularly its oil exports, could push the country toward a compromise. However, Trump did not provide specific details about what a potential “nonnuclear deal” would include, leaving uncertainty about the terms Washington expects Tehran to accept.
Iran, on the other hand, continues to demand recognition of its right to enrich uranium for civilian purposes. The country maintains that its nuclear program is peaceful, despite international concerns. Reports indicate that Iran currently possesses approximately 440 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent, a level that, if further refined, could potentially be used to develop multiple nuclear weapons.
The gap between U.S. demands and Iran’s position remains a major obstacle to reaching an agreement. As tensions persist, the proposed extension of the blockade underscores Washington’s reliance on economic pressure to achieve its objectives, while the prospects for a diplomatic breakthrough remain uncertain.
