“Iran wants 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,” U.S. President Donald Trump made the remarks.

Axar.az reports, in an interview with Axios, Trump stated that the United States will continue the blockade despite an Iranian proposal that called for opening the Strait of Hormuz and easing maritime restrictions before nuclear negotiations proceed.

“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 said.

The president also suggested that Iran’s energy infrastructure is under mounting strain.

He stated that “Iran’s oil storage and pipelines are getting close to exploding” due to its inability to export oil under the blockade.

Axios reports that behind the scenes, U.S. Central Command has prepared contingency plans for a “short and powerful” series of strikes on Iranian infrastructure aimed at breaking the diplomatic deadlock. However, Trump has not authorized any military action.

The Iranian side, meanwhile, has warned of consequences if pressure continues. A senior security source quoted by Iranian state media said the blockade “will soon be met with practical and unprecedented action,” adding that while Tehran has shown restraint, “patience has limits and a punishing response is necessary” if the situation escalates further.