President Trump Chooses Port Blockade Over Further Military Action Against Iran
US President Donald Trump has reportedly instructed his advisors to prepare for a prolonged blockade of Iran by blocking Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz. According to the Wall Street Journal citing US official sources, Trump sees other options, including continued military operations or withdrawing from the conflict, as more risky compared to a blockade. Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly confirmed the report, stating that the blockade gives the US maximum leverage over Iran's authorities and that Trump would only accept a deal guaranteeing US national security.
The first round of US-Iran peace talks in Pakistan from April 11-12 did not yield results, with two main issues blocking progress being the nuclear program and the Strait of Hormuz blockade. Further talks are yet to be scheduled, while Iran insists it will not negotiate while its ports remain blocked.
The conflict escalated after the US and Israel launched a joint attack on Iran on February 28, which caused significant damage and more than 3,300 civilian casualties. A ceasefire began on April 7 for two weeks, then was extended by Trump indefinitely, with the condition that Iran submits a comprehensive peace proposal. To this point, negotiations have not shown any breakthrough.
https://www.gelora.co/2026/04/