Trump says US blockade could last for months, warns Iran to ‘get smart soon’

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The president spoke to oil executives about extending his naval blockade, amid reports that he had rejected Iran’s Hormuz proposal

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Ships and boats are seen in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday. Photo: Reuters

Agence France-Presse

US President Donald Trump warned Tehran on Wednesday that it should “get smart soon” and capitulate to Washington’s demands for tight controls on its nuclear programme, as a US naval blockade turned the screws on Iran’s economy.

The US could extend its naval blockade of Iran for months more, oil executives were told in a meeting with Trump, an official said, after press reports that he had rejected Iran’s latest proposed deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

“Iran can’t get their act together … They better get smart soon,” Trump posted on his social media platform, above a mocked-up picture of himself toting a rifle in front of explosions wrecking a desert fortress and the slogan: “No more Mr. Nice Guy!”

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According to the administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, Trump discussed with the oil executives “steps we could take to continue the current blockade for months if needed and minimise impact on American consumers”.

The news that peace talks were still stalled sent oil prices higher once again.

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Indonesian seafarer among 20,000 stranded for months as Strait of Hormuz remains blocked

Indonesian seafarer among 20,000 stranded for months as Strait of Hormuz remains blocked

The UN Development Programme, meanwhile, warned that the war, which has sent the price of energy and fertiliser soaring, could plunge more than 30 million people into poverty in 160 countries.

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