The WSJ learned about the US preparations for a long-term blockade of Iran in the Strait of Hormuz

US President Donald Trump has instructed his aides to prepare for a prolonged blockade of Iran in the Strait of Hormuz in order to financially exhaust Tehran, as the head of the White House considers the resumption of bombing a risky option. This was reported on April 29 by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ).

"Trump decided to continue putting pressure on Iran's economy and oil exports by obstructing navigation in the strait. <...> He also concluded that other options — resuming bombing or even withdrawing from the conflict — pose a greater risk than a naval blockade," the article says.

The potential resumption of strikes on the Islamic Republic will certainly have a negative impact on Tehran, but it is more likely to cause "even greater damage" to the energy infrastructure of the entire Persian Gulf region, the WSJ writes.

At the same time, the naval blockade will deal a financial blow to Iran, but at the same time it will contribute to prolonging the war, which has led to an increase in gasoline prices in the United States, the authors of the article specify.

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The day before, Trump said that Iran was in a state of collapse and asked the United States to coordinate the opening of the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible.

CNN reported on April 27 that the United States and Iran continue to conduct behind-the-scenes negotiations on a peaceful settlement, the first stage of which may be an agreement to return to the pre-war status quo and resume free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. It is noted that the issue of the Iranian nuclear program will have to be considered later.