Trump tells aides to prep for lengthy Strait of Hormuz blockade: Report
President Donald Trump has directed his aides to prepare for a prolonged U.S. naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz to increase economic pressure on Iran, according to the Wall Street Journal. The move comes as peace efforts stall and global energy markets remain disrupted amid a two-month-long conflict. Iran has proposed an interim deal to reopen the strait in exchange for ending the blockade, but Trump rejected the offer, citing bad faith. The waterway remains largely closed, contributing to rising oil prices and international concern over a prolonged standoff.
- ▪President Trump instructed aides to plan for an extended U.S. naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz to restrict Iran's oil exports.
- ▪Iran proposed reopening the strait in exchange for the U.S. ending its blockade, but Trump rejected the offer, questioning Tehran's negotiating authority.
- ▪The Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil and gas, remains at a virtual standstill, disrupting energy supplies worldwide.
- ▪Brent crude rose above $111 a barrel as markets react to fears of a prolonged closure and slow peace process.
- ▪The UAE announced its exit from OPEC, citing the need for greater production flexibility amid war-driven market shortages.
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Trump tells aides to prep for lengthy Strait of Hormuz blockade: ReportSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxThe strategic Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas flowed before the conflict began, remains at a virtual standstill. PHOTO: REUTERSPublished Apr 29, 2026, 10:44 AMUpdated Apr 29, 2026, 10:44 AMWASHINGTON – US President Donald Trump told his aides to prepare for an extended US Naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, the Wall Street Journal reported, as the US looks to intensify economic pressure on Iran as the war enters its third month.The president, in meetings with top aides, decided to continue putting pressure on Iran’s ability to export oil by stopping any vessel heading to or from the Islamic Republic’s…
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