President Donald Trump said that he will continue the U.S. Naval blockade of Iran until the regime accepts his administration’s demands over its nuclear program.
In an April 29 interview with Axios, Trump said he is refusing Iran’s proposal, which includes opening the Strait of Hormuz if the U.S. lifts its blockade and postponing discussions over Tehran’s nuclear program.
“The blockade is somewhat more effective than the bombing. They are choking like a stuffed pig. And it is going to be worse for them. They can’t have a nuclear weapon,” Trump told Axios.
Iran has maintained that its nuclear ambitions are for a peaceful civilian energy program, while the United States and Israel have accused Tehran of pursuing a nuclear warhead.
Trump suggested that Iran wants to end the blockade by reaching a deal with the United States.
“They want to settle. They don’t want me to keep the blockade. I don’t want to [lift the blockade], because I don’t want them to have a nuclear weapon,” he said.
On Wednesday, Iran warned it would engage in “unprecedented military action” against the U.S. blockade of regime-associated ships, if it’s not lifted.