US President Donald Trump has declared that the American naval blockade against Iran could continue for months, describing it as more effective than bombing in forcing Tehran to abandon its nuclear ambitions.
Speaking to Axios, Trump said: “They are choking like a stuffed pig. And it is going to be worse for them.” His remarks immediately sent oil prices soaring to their highest levels in over four years.
Brent crude hit $126.41, while West Texas Intermediate rose to $110.31 before easing slightly.
Military Options and Global Fallout
Trump is scheduled to meet Admiral Brad Cooper, head of US Central Command (CENTCOM), on Thursday to review new military options.
CENTCOM reported a “significant milestone” this week, saying it successfully redirected the 42nd commercial vessel attempting to bypass the blockade.
Officials estimate that 41 tankers carrying 69 million barrels of oil, valued at over $6 billion, are currently stalled and cannot be sold by Iran.
The blockade comes amid stalled negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
Vice President JD Vance recently aborted two trips to Pakistan intended for mediation, as US officials remain uncertain about who is directing Iranian policy following Israeli strikes on senior figures.
Russian President Vladimir Putin warned Trump of “damaging consequences” if the US and Israel resume active warfare.
Meanwhile, Trump threatened to reduce US troop presence in Germany after Chancellor Friedrich Merz refused to support the blockade or a peacekeeping force in the Strait of Hormuz.
The UN Development Programme has warned that the conflict, combined with rising fertilizer costs, could plunge 30 million people into poverty worldwide.
In Iran, the rial has collapsed to historic lows, fueling despair among residents.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said the blockade was designed to “make us collapse from within.”
Tensions also remain high in Lebanon. Despite a ceasefire, the Lebanese army reported casualties from recent Israeli strikes.
A UN‑backed report indicates that over 1.2 million people in Lebanon now face acute hunger due to instability.
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