The Wall Street Journal, citing sources, reported that Trump has instructed aides to prepare for a long-term blockade against Iran to force concessions on nuclear issues.

Trump believes that the risks of continuing the blockade are higher than resuming bombings or directly exiting the conflict. Even with the ongoing blockade, U.S. oil prices will be pushed higher.

The U.S. blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has already reduced the number of ships passing through the strait to the lowest since the outbreak of the Iran war, as ships face two blockades, namely the Iranian toll station and the U.S. checkpoint$BTC