U.S. President rejects Tehran’s proposal to reopen Strait of Hormuz in exchange for sanctions relief, insisting pressure will continue until nuclear demands are met
President Donald Trump said he will continue the U.S. naval blockade of Iran until the regime agrees to his administration’s demands regarding its nuclear program.
In an April 29 interview with Axios, Trump stated that he is rejecting Iran’s proposal, which includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz if the United States lifts its blockade and delaying discussions over Tehran’s nuclear program.
“The blockade is somewhat more effective than the bombing. They are choking like a stuffed pig. And it is going to be worse for them. They can’t have a nuclear weapon,” Trump told Axios.
Iran has maintained that its nuclear program is intended for peaceful civilian energy purposes, while the United States and Israel have accused Tehran of pursuing the development of a nuclear warhead.
Trump suggested that Iran is seeking to end the blockade by reaching an agreement with Washington.
“They want to settle. They don’t want me to keep the blockade. I don’t want to [lift the blockade], because I don’t want them to have a nuclear weapon,” he said.
Earlier the same day, Trump urged the Iranian regime to finalize a deal with his administration to bring the conflict to an end.
On Wednesday, Iran warned it would undertake “unprecedented military action” against the U.S. blockade targeting regime-linked vessels if the measures are not lifted.
