Date: April 29, 2026 l By Andrew Baba
U.S. President Donald Trump has called on Iran to urgently agree to a deal, warning that Washington may intensify economic pressure through a prolonged blockade of Iranian ports amid ongoing tensions between the two nations.
According to a report by Arab News, Trump made the remarks on April 29, 2026, following stalled diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict between the United States and Iran.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump urged Tehran to “get smart soon,” criticizing Iranian leadership for failing to reach an agreement. He reiterated his long-standing position that Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons, while signaling openness to negotiations if the country is willing to engage.
The warning comes amid reports from the The Wall Street Journal that the U.S. administration is preparing to extend its blockade of Iran’s ports as part of a broader strategy to pressure the country into compliance. Officials indicated that Trump has directed aides to plan for sustained restrictions targeting Iran’s economy and oil exports.
Sources familiar with the discussions suggested that the blockade is being considered as a less risky alternative to direct military escalation or abandoning negotiations altogether. By tightening economic pressure, Washington aims to compel Tehran to accept terms that would limit its nuclear activities.
Iran, however, has maintained that it has the capacity to withstand such measures. Officials in Tehran have pointed to alternative trade routes and insisted that the country does not consider the conflict resolved. They continue to push for recognition of their right to enrich uranium for civilian purposes, a key sticking point in negotiations.
The standoff has already had significant global implications, disrupting trade routes and contributing to volatility in energy markets. Analysts warn that further escalation—whether through prolonged economic measures or renewed military action—could deepen instability in the region and beyond.
With diplomatic efforts currently at a standstill, the coming weeks are expected to be critical in determining whether negotiations can resume or if tensions between the two countries will intensify further.
Source: Arab News / Reuters