US Considers Months-Long Iran Blockade | White House Official
- President Donald Trump is considering a potentially months-long extension of a naval blockade against Iran.
- The increase comes after a White House official disclosed discussions between President Trump and representatives from oil companies regarding the possibility of a prolonged naval blockade on Iran,...
- “The naval blockade, to some extent, is more effective than the bombings.
Oil prices surged on Thursday following reports that U.S. President Donald Trump is considering a potentially months-long extension of a naval blockade against Iran. Brent crude is currently trading around $119 a barrel, while WTI crude is around $106, representing an increase of approximately 7%.
The increase comes after a White House official disclosed discussions between President Trump and representatives from oil companies regarding the possibility of a prolonged naval blockade on Iran, according to reporting from ynetnews.
“The naval blockade, to some extent, is more effective than the bombings. They are choking — like a fattened pig. And We see going to get worse for them. They cannot have nuclear weapons.”
Donald Trump, in an interview with Axios
In an interview with Axios, Trump asserted that a naval blockade is a more effective strategy than military strikes against Iran. He stated that Iran is “choking” and predicted further economic hardship, emphasizing that Iran “cannot have nuclear weapons.” Trump also suggested that Iran’s oil reserves and pipelines “are going to blow up soon” due to the blockade, hindering their ability to export oil.
The potential for an extended blockade has raised concerns about disruptions to global oil supplies. The initial expectation that oil prices would decline following a period of relative calm between the U.S. And Iran has not materialized.
Meanwhile, Iranian state television reported that a senior security source within the Islamic Republic has threatened “unprecedented military action” should the United States continue seizing ships linked to Iran at sea. This escalation in rhetoric underscores the heightened tensions in the region.
The White House has not yet issued an official statement confirming the length or scope of the potential blockade. However, the discussions with energy executives suggest a serious consideration of this strategy to exert pressure on Iran.
This development follows a recent commencement of a U.S. Blockade on Iranian ships this month, further tightening economic restrictions on the country.