Former U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. blockade of the Strait of Hormuz will stay in full force while a diplomatic deal remains possible.
The decision to maintain the blockade serves as a primary lever of pressure on Iran amid the ongoing Iran-Israel war. By restricting maritime access to the Persian Gulf, the U.S. aims to compel a diplomatic settlement that ends the conflict.
Trump said that a deal with Iran could be reached within days [1]. This timeline comes as the former president indicated that terms have been "largely negotiated" after calls with Israel [2]. However, reports on the likelihood of a final agreement vary, with some sources noting Trump expressed doubt that current proposals would lead to a deal [3].
The naval situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains tense. While Iran has reopened the Strait [4], Trump said the blockade on Iran "WILL REMAIN IN FULL FORCE" [5]. This stance creates a volatile environment, as Iran has warned it could close the waterway again if the U.S. blockade continues [6].
The U.S. strategy appears to be a dual-track approach of maximum economic and military pressure combined with high-level diplomatic engagement. The blockade targets one of the world's most critical oil transit chokepoints, ensuring that any agreement reached is favorable to U.S. and Israeli security interests [7].
Trump's recent communications suggest a push for a rapid conclusion to the hostilities, though the physical blockade remains the primary tool for enforcement until a formal agreement is signed.
“blockade on Iran ‘WILL REMAIN IN FULL FORCE’”
The U.S. is utilizing a 'carrot and stick' strategy by maintaining a severe military blockade while simultaneously signaling a willingness to negotiate. By keeping the Strait of Hormuz restricted despite Iran's attempt to reopen it, the U.S. maintains strategic dominance over global energy transit to ensure Iran makes significant concessions in any final peace agreement with Israel.
