Trump rejects Iran’s offer, says naval blockade will remain until nuclear deal

• President Donald Trump told Axios the US will maintain its naval blockade on Iran until Tehran agrees to a nuclear deal.

President Donald Trump has rejected an Iranian proposal aimed at easing tensions, telling Axios that the United States will continue its naval blockade of Iran until Tehran agrees to a nuclear deal that addresses US concerns.

Trump said the blockade remains Washington’s primary source of leverage over Iran and insisted it would not be lifted without a formal agreement. “The blockade is somewhat more effective than the bombing. They are choking like a stuffed pig. And it is going to be worse for them. They can’t have a nuclear weapon,” he told Axios.

The comments come as Iran reportedly proposed opening the Strait of Hormuz and easing maritime restrictions in exchange for postponing nuclear negotiations. The Trump administration has rejected that sequencing, according to Axios.

Military planning under consideration

Behind the scenes, US Central Command (CENTCOM) has prepared options for what sources described as a “short and powerful” wave of strikes on Iran if diplomacy fails. According to three sources familiar with the discussions, the plan would likely target infrastructure in an effort to force Tehran back to negotiations.

However, Trump has not authorized any military action as of Tuesday night. He also declined to discuss potential operational plans during a 15-minute phone interview with Axios.

Despite this, he has indicated that military options remain on the table if Iran continues to resist a deal.

Pressure campaign and escalation risks

Trump told Axios he believes Iran is seeking relief from the blockade in order to secure negotiations. “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.

He also claimed Iran’s oil infrastructure is under growing strain, stating that storage facilities and pipelines are “getting close to exploding” due to export restrictions, though independent analysts have expressed skepticism about the immediacy of such risks.

Separately, Trump posted an AI-generated meme showing himself holding a gun with the message “NO MORE MR. NICE GUY,” signaling continued pressure on Tehran.

Iranian response

Iran has pushed back sharply. A senior Iranian security source quoted by state-linked PRESS TV warned that the US blockade “will soon be met with practical and unprecedented action.” The source added that Iran has exercised restraint to allow diplomacy to proceed, but warned that patience has limits and a “punishing response” could follow if pressure continues.