President Donald Trump has instructed aides to prepare for an extended blockade of Iran, aiming to squeeze the country’s economy and oil exports, US officials said. The move follows discussions in the Situation Room, with Trump viewing the blockade as less risky than renewed military action or disengagement. A senior official said the measures are straining Iran’s ability to store unsold oil and prompting renewed outreach to Washington. Suzanne Maloney of the Brookings Institution said Iran may

President Donald Trump has instructed aides to prepare for an extended blockade of Iran, aiming to squeeze the country’s economy and oil exports, US officials said. The move follows discussions in the Situation Room, with Trump viewing the blockade as less risky than renewed military action or disengagement. A senior official said the measures are straining Iran’s ability to store unsold oil and prompting renewed outreach to Washington. Suzanne Maloney of the Brookings Institution said Iran may bet it can withstand the pressure longer than the US.