Donald Trump has directed his team to prepare for an extended blockade of Iran, with talks to end the war held at an impasse in an attempt to hurt the country’s finances, according to a report.
Blockade Strategy and Diplomatic Stalemate
Trump has also told White House aides that Iran’s latest peace proposal shows that its leadership is negotiating in bad faith. The move comes as Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused Iran of using the Strait of Hormuz as an 'economic nuclear weapon,' signalling a hardening of the US stance.
Criticism Over Lack of Transparency
Former US officials have criticised the lack of transparency over the deadly Minab school strike, calling the Pentagon’s silence 'highly unusual.' The incident has raised questions about the conduct of the conflict.
Economic Impact and Energy Prices
Energy prices are expected to surge by 24 per cent in 2026 if the most acute disruptions caused by the war in the Middle East end in May, the World Bank said. The blockade threatens to exacerbate global energy market instability.
Trump’s Remarks on Nuclear Weapons
Donald Trump said during a White House state dinner with King Charles that the monarch agrees that Tehran should never have a nuclear weapon, underscoring the administration's hardline position.
