Washington, April 2026 : US President Donald Trump has said Iran is in \u201cvery bad shape\u201d and \u201cpretty desperate,\u201d as he confirmed that a sweeping maritime blockade targeting Tehran\u2019s oil exports would come into force within hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Speaking to reporters on the tarmac after returning from Miami, Trump indicated that the ceasefire in the region was \u201cholding well,\u201d but made it clear that Washington\u2019s stance remained firm ahead of the blockade scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. Monday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe blockade will go into effect tomorrow,\u201d Trump said, adding that several vessels were already moving toward the region to load oil. The planned move is part of a broader strategy aimed at tightening economic pressure on Iran by restricting its ability to export energy resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The President also suggested that other countries were cooperating with the United States to curb Iran\u2019s oil trade, although he did not name specific nations. \u201cOther nations are working so that Iran cannot sell oil,\u201d he said, pointing to what he described as growing international alignment on the issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the possibility of renewed negotiations with Tehran, Trump struck a notably dismissive tone. He reiterated his long-standing position that Iran must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons, but suggested that the United States was not dependent on talks to achieve its objectives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think Iran is in very bad shape. They\u2019re pretty desperate,\u201d he said, adding, \u201cI don\u2019t care if they come back or not. If they don\u2019t come back, I\u2019m fine.\u201d His remarks signal a shift toward a more uncompromising approach, with Washington focusing on pressure tactics rather than diplomatic engagement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The blockade is expected to significantly impact Iran\u2019s economy, particularly its oil exports, which are a major source of national revenue. US officials have consistently argued that limiting these revenues is key to constraining Tehran\u2019s nuclear ambitions and reducing its regional influence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During the brief interaction, Trump also turned his attention to the NATO alliance, expressing disappointment over what he described as insufficient support. \u201cWe pay trillions of dollars for NATO and they weren\u2019t there for us,\u201d he said, reflecting ongoing tensions between Washington and some of its allies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Trump declined to comment on other international political developments, including reports concerning Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, and ended the exchange after a short interaction with the media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The announcement of the blockade marks a significant escalation in US policy toward Iran, combining economic restrictions with maritime enforcement measures. As tensions remain high, the coming days are likely to be critical in determining whether the situation moves toward further confrontation or eventual negotiations.