Trump Orders Preparations for Prolonged Blockade of Strait of Hormuz, Escalating Iran Conflict

Donald Trump is escalating the simmering conflict with Iran by ordering his administration to prepare for a prolonged blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. This move signals a shift toward sustained economic pressure rather than a quick military strike or diplomatic resolution.

According to US officials cited by the Wall Street Journal, Trump is dissatisfied with Iran’s latest peace proposal, which suggested decoupling nuclear negotiations from the broader conflict and shipping disputes. The president reportedly views this offer as bad faith bargaining and insists on Iran suspending its nuclear enrichment before any progress can be made.

Trump aired his frustration on his Truth Social platform, posting a striking image of himself holding an assault rifle against a backdrop of explosions in Iran, captioned “NO MORE MR. NICE GUY!” He added, “Iran can’t get their act together. They don’t know how to sign a nonnuclear deal. They better get smart soon!”

The ongoing blockade is estimated to cost Tehran roughly $435 million daily, targeting the regime’s finances to weaken its leverage. Yet experts warn Iran has shown more resilience to such pressures than expected, and a prolonged stalemate risks further destabilizing the region.

This hardline stance comes amid a public spat between Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over perceptions of US humiliation by Iran, and the UAE’s recent departure from OPEC, signaling shifting alliances and complicating global energy politics.

The economic fallout is already being felt worldwide. The UK’s National Institute of Economic and Social Research warns that even in the best-case scenario, the energy crisis spurred by the Iran conflict could slash £35 billion off the UK economy, with recession looming if the war drags on.

Trump insists he is under “no time pressure” to reach a peace deal, prioritizing a “good deal for the American people.” But the administration’s refusal to compromise on nuclear demands and readiness for a prolonged blockade risks dragging the world into deeper chaos, with energy prices surging and diplomatic relations fraying.

As Trump tightens the noose on Iran, the question remains: will this aggressive brinkmanship bring Tehran to heel, or plunge the Middle East and global markets into further turmoil? We will keep watching — and holding power accountable — every step of the way.