By Elsie Kamsiyochi
U.S. President Donald Trump has intensified pressure on Iran to accept a new agreement as his administration weighs the possibility of extending its naval blockade of Iranian ports for months, according to White House officials.
The move comes as diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran remain stalled, raising fears that the conflict could deepen and further disrupt global energy markets.
During a meeting at the White House on Tuesday, Trump held discussions with senior executives from major American oil companies about how the United States could manage the economic fallout of a prolonged confrontation in the Gulf. Officials said the talks focused on protecting global oil supplies, stabilizing fuel prices, and minimizing the impact on American consumers if the blockade continues far longer than initially expected.
Trump later delivered a blunt public message to Tehran, urging Iranian leaders to act quickly before the situation worsens. He warned that Iran was running out of time to secure a deal and criticized its leadership for failing to respond to U.S. demands. His remarks reflected growing frustration inside the administration over the lack of progress in negotiations aimed at ending the crisis.
The confrontation has centered on the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important shipping lanes for crude oil. Since the conflict began, commercial traffic through the narrow waterway has slowed dramatically, with Iran restricting movement and the U.S. increasing military pressure on vessels linked to Tehran.
The disruption has already pushed oil prices sharply higher, with investors increasingly concerned that a prolonged standoff could choke global supply chains.
Markets reacted swiftly to reports that Washington may be preparing for a longer campaign. Brent crude climbed nearly 4 percent, reaching its highest level in a month, as traders priced in the possibility that energy exports from the region could remain constrained for an extended period.
Governments in Europe and Asia are also beginning to prepare emergency measures to cushion households and businesses from rising fuel costs.
At the same time, Iran’s domestic economy is showing signs of severe strain. The Iranian rial has fallen to a record low against the U.S. dollar, worsening inflation and deepening economic hardship for ordinary citizens. Analysts say the financial pressure could become a critical factor in Tehran’s calculations as leaders weigh whether to continue resisting Washington or seek a compromise.
Despite that pressure, Iran has signaled it is not ready to give in. Iranian officials insist the country can withstand the blockade by relying on alternative trade routes and regional partners. Tehran also maintains that any future agreement must include a formal end to hostilities before discussions over its nuclear program can move forward — a condition the Trump administration has so far rejected.
Inside Washington, the growing cost of the conflict is becoming a political issue. Rising gasoline prices and uncertainty in global markets have increased criticism of the administration’s strategy. Trump now faces mounting pressure not only to force concessions from Iran, but also to reassure Americans that the confrontation will not evolve into a drawn-out crisis with lasting economic consequences.
With both sides holding firm, the risk of a prolonged showdown in the Gulf appears to be increasing, leaving the world watching closely for whether diplomacy can still prevent a deeper regional and economic crisis.
Source Reuters
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