Washington, United States. U.S. President Donald Trump urged Iran to “get smart soon” and sign a deal amid reported plans to extend a blockade of Iran’s ports and continued deadlock over ending the conflict.
Trump comments on talks and nuclear issue
In a post on Truth Social on Wednesday, Trump said Iran “couldn’t get its act together” and repeated that Tehran cannot have a nuclear weapon. He has also said Iran can call if it wants to talk.
“They don’t know how to sign a nonnuclear deal. They’d better get smart soon!” Trump wrote, without explaining what such a deal would entail.
Report cites preparation for extended ports blockade
The Wall Street Journal cited U.S. officials as saying Trump instructed aides to prepare for an extended blockade of Iran’s ports in an effort to force Tehran to capitulate.
According to the report, officials said Trump chose to continue squeezing Iran’s economy and oil exports with the blockade because other options, including resuming bombing or walking away from the conflict, carried more risk.
Iran position on enrichment and stockpile
Iran has sought U.S. acknowledgment of its right to enrich uranium for what it says are peaceful, civilian purposes.
It has a stockpile of roughly 440 kilograms (970 pounds) of uranium enriched to 60%, material that could be used for several nuclear weapons if further enriched.
Iran response and status of the conflict
Iranian officials said on Tuesday the country could withstand the blockade by using alternative trade routes, and said the Islamic Republic did not consider the war over.
The conflict has killed thousands, thrown energy markets into turmoil and disrupted global trade routes.
Latest offer and ceasefire context
Iran’s most recent offer for resolving the two-month war, suspended since April 8 under a ceasefire agreement, would set aside discussion of its nuclear programme until the conflict is formally ended and shipping issues resolved.
What do you think is the most likely next step in efforts to end the conflict?
