President Donald Trump said a United States naval blockade against Iran could last for months, a move that has pushed global oil prices to their highest levels in more than four years.
The US president is expected to receive a briefing from Brad Cooper, head of United States Central Command (CENTCOM), on new plans for possible military action against Iran.
Diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran remain stalled. Trump also held a phone call with Vladimir Putin, who warned of “damaging consequences” should the United States and Israel resume military operations against Iran.
Speaking to oil executives, Trump argued that enforcing a naval blockade on Iranian ports, an issue Tehran insists must be resolved before any agreement is more effective than direct bombing.
CENTCOM said it had reached a “significant milestone” after redirecting vessels attempting to breach the blockade. It added that dozens of tankers carrying millions of barrels of oil remain unable to sell, with an estimated value exceeding $6 billion.
Trump is also facing mounting domestic pressure to end the conflict, which has driven up costs for American consumers and raised concerns among US allies.
“They are choking like a stuffed pig. And it is going to be worse for them,” Trump said in remarks to Axios.
Oil markets reacted sharply, with Brent crude climbing above $126 per barrel and West Texas Intermediate rising past $110, before easing slightly later in the day.
Iran, for its part, has sought leverage by asserting control over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route that handles roughly one-fifth of global oil shipments.
