US President Donald Trump on Wednesday told Axios that Iran will remain under a naval blockade until the Islamic regime agrees to a deal that addresses US concerns about its nuclear program. The blockade is "somewhat more effective than bombing," Trump told the outlet. "They are choking like a stuffed pig. And it is going to be worse for them. They can't have a nuclear weapon," he added.
"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. Meanwhile, US Central Command (CENTCOM) has begun preparing plans for a "short and powerful" wave of strikes on Iran, hoping to break the negotiating deadlock, three sources with knowledge told Axios.
After the wave of strikes, which would likely include targeting infrastructure, the US would press the regime to return to the negotiating table and show more flexibility, according to Axios. Trump sees continuing the blockade as the primary means to gain leverage over Tehran, but would consider military action if Iran does not give in, sources told Axios. Trump declined to discuss any military plans during the 15-minute phone conversation with Axios, the report noted.
However, a senior Iranian security source was cited by Iran's English-language state-run broadcaster, Press TV, as saying that the US naval blockade will "soon be met with practical and unprecedented action." Iran's military has shown restraint in order to give diplomacy a chance, the source said. Iran wants to provide Trump with an opportunity to end the conflict, but emphasized that Iran's military "believes that patience has its limits and that a punishing response is necessary" if the blockade continues. (Source)
