Trump calls on Iran to finalize an agreement following a report indicating that the US might prolong its blockade

U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday called on Iran to “get smart soon” and finalize a deal after several days of stalemate in attempts to resolve the conflict and amid a media report indicating that the U.S. would prolong its blockade of Iran’s ports.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump, who has indicated that Iran is welcome to reach out for discussions and has consistently emphasized that Tehran must not possess a nuclear weapon, remarked that the country ‘couldn’t get its act together.’

The Wall Street Journal reported that U.S. officials indicated the president had directed aides to get ready for a prolonged blockade of Iran’s ports in an effort to compel Tehran to surrender.

Officials indicated that Trump chose to maintain pressure on Iran’s economy and oil exports through the blockade, as his alternative options—resuming bombing or disengaging from the conflict—posed greater risks, according to the WSJ.

They lack the knowledge to sign a nonnuclear deal. They must quickly become more astute! In a post on Wednesday, Trump mentioned a deal, though he did not clarify what it would involve.

Iran seeks a form of acknowledgment from the U.S. regarding its right to enrich uranium, which it claims is for peaceful, civilian purposes.

The stockpile consists of approximately 440 kilograms (970 pounds) of uranium enriched to 60%, a quantity that could potentially be utilized for multiple nuclear weapons if subjected to further enrichment.

On Tuesday, Iranian officials stated that the country could endure the blockade by utilizing alternative trade routes, asserting that the Islamic Republic did not view the war as concluded.

The conflict has resulted in the loss of thousands of lives, caused significant upheaval in energy markets, and disrupted international trade routes.

IRAN SEEKS A FORMAL RESOLUTION TO THE CONFLICT AS A PRIORITY

Iran’s latest proposal for addressing the two-month war, which has been on hold since April 8 due to a ceasefire agreement, suggests postponing discussions regarding its nuclear program until the conflict is officially concluded and shipping matters are settled.

The proposal failed to address Trump’s requirement for the nuclear issue to be discussed from the beginning.

U.S. intelligence agencies, at the request of senior administration officials, are examining how Iran might react if Trump were to announce a unilateral victory in the two-month-old war that has turned into a political liability for the White House, according to two U.S. officials and a source familiar with the situation who spoke to Reuters.

Since the war commenced on February 28, Tehran has predominantly restricted all shipping from the Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies, except for its own vessels. This month, the United States initiated a blockade of Iranian vessels.

Trump’s post on Truth Social showcased a mock-up image of himself wearing dark glasses and holding a machine gun, accompanied by the caption “No more Mr. Nice Guy.”

Iran’s Guards Assume Increased Responsibilities

Expectations for a quick resolution to the conflict have diminished since Trump canceled a visit by his special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner to mediator Pakistan last weekend.

Abbas Araqchi, the Iranian Foreign Minister, made two visits to the country over the weekend.

Following the deaths of numerous senior Iranian political and military leaders in U.S.-Israeli strikes, Iran lacks a singular, undisputed clerical authority at the top of its power structure, potentially solidifying Tehran’s position in negotiations.

The assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on the war’s inaugural day, coupled with the ascension of his injured son, Mojtaba, as the new supreme leader, has granted increased authority to the hardline commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, according to Iranian officials and analysts.

Trump faces increasing domestic pressure to conclude a war for which he has provided the U.S. public with varying justifications. His approval rating has dropped to the lowest point of his current term, as Americans have grown increasingly dissatisfied with his management of the cost of living and the unpopular war, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll. The poll indicated that 34% of Americans approve of Trump’s performance, a decrease from 36% in the previous survey.

Oil prices increase amid concerns of a prolonged blockade.

On Wednesday, oil prices increased by nearly 3%, with the Brent contract reaching a one-month high due to worries that a prolonged blockade of Iranian ports would extend supply disruptions.

On Tuesday, the World Bank projected that energy prices would rise by 24% in 2026, reaching their highest point since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine four years prior, assuming that the most severe disruptions resulting from the Iran war conclude in May.