US President Donald Trump has rejected Iran’s proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and lift the ongoing naval blockade, signalling that Washington is unwilling to compromise under current conditions. In remarks to Axios, Trump defended the blockade as a more effective strategy than direct military strikes, arguing that sustained economic pressure is forcing Iran into a weakened position.
Trump stated that the blockade is significantly constraining Iran’s ability to export oil, placing severe stress on its economy and energy infrastructure. He claimed that the country’s storage facilities and pipeline systems are nearing critical limits due to the inability to move crude, suggesting that internal pressure could intensify further. At the same time, he reiterated that the United States would not lift restrictions unless Iran agrees to abandon its nuclear ambitions, maintaining that preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons remains the central objective.
Negotiations between the two sides remain deadlocked. Iran has reportedly proposed a phased approach, prioritising the reopening of shipping routes before addressing nuclear issues at a later stage. However, Washington has rejected this sequencing, insisting that any agreement must begin with clear concessions on nuclear development. Trump’s refusal to reopen the Strait before such commitments effectively closes the door on incremental or step-by-step negotiations.
The US administration believes that restricting Iran’s oil exports—particularly through control over the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy corridor—will continue to erode Tehran’s bargaining position. This economic pressure strategy is intended to compel Iran to return to negotiations on terms favourable to Washington.
Despite emphasising economic measures, the possibility of military escalation has not been ruled out. According to reports, the United States Central Command has prepared contingency plans for a rapid and targeted strike campaign against Iranian infrastructure. These plans are described as short-duration but high-impact operations aimed at breaking the current stalemate. However, Trump has not authorised such action so far, choosing instead to rely on the blockade while keeping military options available if needed.
Trump also expressed confidence that Iran’s military capabilities have already been significantly degraded, claiming that a large portion of its missile production capacity has been destroyed and that only limited capabilities remain.
Iranian officials, however, have issued strong warnings in response to the continued blockade. Senior figures in Tehran have indicated that the US strategy could provoke what they described as “unprecedented” retaliatory measures if pressure continues. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf accused Washington of attempting to destabilise Iran internally through economic strangulation and information campaigns, urging national unity in the face of external pressure.
Iran has also signalled that it will continue to disrupt maritime activity in the Strait of Hormuz as long as it remains under sanctions and blockade, raising concerns about further escalation in one of the world’s most critical energy transit routes.
The broader impact of the standoff is already being felt beyond the immediate conflict. Global oil prices have risen sharply amid fears of prolonged disruption, while Iran’s currency has weakened significantly under mounting economic strain. The financial cost for the United States is also increasing, with estimates placing war-related expenditure at around $25 billion so far.
The Trump administration is reportedly preparing for a prolonged confrontation, including consultations with domestic oil producers to mitigate the impact of sustained high energy prices on American consumers. Despite ongoing backchannel communication between the two sides, Trump has made it clear that any agreement will depend on Iran making substantial concessions on its nuclear programme.
At present, both sides remain firmly entrenched in their positions, with limited indications of a near-term breakthrough in negotiations.
