US President Donald Trump is contemplating limited military strikes against Iran, alongside implementing a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. This consideration comes after negotiations between Washington and Tehran failed during discussions held in Pakistan, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal, citing officials familiar with the situation.
“I would hate to do it, but it’s their water, their desalinization plants, their electric-generating plants, which are very easy to hit,” Trump said on Fox News. Spokeswoman Olivia Wales said, “The President has already ordered a naval blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, ending the Iranian extortion, and wisely keeps all additional options on the table. Matthew Kroenig said, “We’ve seen this blockade strategy essentially work on Venezuela, and Trump has an opportunity to replicate it here. Steve Moore said, “My advice to the White House folks I’ve spoken to is secure the strait at any cost and immediately as a matter of economic and national and global security. Fred Fleitz said, “I think Trump’s right, Iran is out of cards.
Trump, who spent Sunday at his Doral resort in Florida, signalled he remains open to diplomacy even as he escalated threats against Iran’s infrastructure. The White House declined to outline specific next steps. Anyone who is telling The Wall Street Journal that they know what President Trump will do next is purely speculating. Some analysts backed the blockade as the most viable option. I think this is a way to really ramp up pressure on the regime and force them into some difficult dilemmas. Economic advisers also flagged broader risks. We have the power to protect the flow of international trade and must use it. Or the whole world economy could tumble into a global recession. Despite the tensions, some former officials see room for diplomacy. This conflict has only been going on for a few weeks. It’s too early to know how this will come out, but I think it looks promising.”
The options were discussed on Sunday, hours after talks led by Vice President JD Vance broke down, reportedly over Iran’s refusal to abandon its nuclear programme, according to the report.