Trump urges Iran to sign deal, discusses prolonged blockade

WASHINGTON: US president Donald Trump has urged Iran to quickly agree to a deal as he discussed the possibility of maintaining a months-long blockade of Iranian ports with US oil executives, a White House official said on Wednesday.

The discussions, held a day earlier, focused on ways to reduce the impact of a prolonged US blockade on global oil markets and American consumers. Officials said the administration was exploring steps to sustain pressure on Iran while stabilising energy supplies.

The talks come amid a continued deadlock in efforts to resolve the conflict, with Washington attempting to curb Iran’s oil exports through a naval blockade. The move is aimed at forcing Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to shipping.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said Iran “couldn’t get its act together” and warned it to “get smart soon” and sign a deal, without elaborating on its terms.

Oil prices surged nearly 4 per cent on Wednesday, with Brent crude hitting a one-month high following reports that the US could extend the blockade.

Iran, however, warned of “unprecedented military action” if US measures against its shipping continue, and has pledged to keep disrupting traffic through the strategic waterway as long as it remains under pressure.

Tehran maintains its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes and has called for a formal end to the conflict before resuming talks. It has also demanded recognition of its right to enrich uranium.

Meanwhile, Iran’s economy is under severe strain, with its currency plunging to a record low and inflation surging, highlighting the growing economic impact of the ongoing conflict.

Despite the pressure, Iranian officials say the country can withstand the blockade by relying on alternative trade routes, signalling that the standoff is far from over.