"Trump Instructs Aides to Prepare for Long-Term Blockade Against Iran"

by Ryu Hyunseok

Published 29 Apr.2026 16:12(KST)

U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly instructed his aides to prepare for a long-term blockade against Iran. This strategy is seen as an attempt to pressure the Iranian regime's financial resources and extract concessions on the nuclear issue, which Iran has previously refused.

AFP Yonhap News

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on the 28th (local time), citing officials, that President Trump recently decided during discussions to continue pressuring Iran's economy and oil exports by blocking vessels traveling to and from Iranian ports. According to these officials, President Trump believes that maintaining the blockade poses less risk compared to other options, such as resuming airstrikes or withdrawing from the conflict.

After halting a large-scale bombing campaign with a ceasefire on the 7th of this month, President Trump has refrained from further escalating the war and has kept the door open for diplomatic solutions. Previously, he had threatened to destroy the entirety of Iranian civilization. Subsequently, Iran proposed an end-of-war plan suggesting the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and postponing discussions on its nuclear program.

However, President Trump appears to favor maintaining the blockade without setting a deadline. On his social media platform, Truth Social, President Trump stated, "Iran just told us that they are in a 'State of Collapse.'" A senior U.S. official also told the WSJ that the blockade is indeed pressuring the Iranian economy, making it difficult for Iran to store unsold crude oil. The official added that the blockade has prompted the Iranian regime to re-engage with the United States.

However, the WSJ pointed out that maintaining the blockade could become a political liability for President Trump. This is because prolonging the conflict could lead to higher gasoline prices, falling approval ratings, and worsen the Republican Party's outlook in the midterm elections. Other figures, including business leaders close to President Trump, have expressed concerns that closing the Strait of Hormuz or escalating the war would only damage the economy and could be politically fatal ahead of the November midterm elections.

Such concerns were also raised during recent discussions regarding Iran's proposal. However, President Trump is said to have prioritized nuclear concessions as a precondition. President Trump and the national security team determined that accepting the proposal could weaken the U.S. negotiating leverage to extract nuclear concessions from Iran. The White House has repeatedly stated that any basic agreement for lasting peace must address Iran's nuclear program and include a timetable for restricting nuclear activity.

According to officials, President Trump currently has no intention of dropping the demand that Iran halt uranium enrichment for at least 20 years and accept restrictions even afterwards.