US President Donald Trump has urged Iran to “get smart soon” and agree to a deal, amid escalating tensions and ongoing deadlock over efforts to end the conflict between the two sides.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said Iran “couldn’t get its act together” and reiterated that Tehran must not obtain a nuclear weapon. He added that Iran should sign a “non-nuclear deal”, although he did not specify the terms such an agreement would include.
The remarks come after reports that the United States is preparing to extend a blockade of Iranian ports. According to The Wall Street Journal, US officials say Trump has instructed aides to plan for a prolonged economic squeeze aimed at pressuring Tehran, rather than resuming military action or disengaging from the conflict.
Officials cited by the newspaper said the strategy focuses on tightening pressure on Iran’s oil exports and wider economy, as other options carry greater risk.
Iran, meanwhile, has insisted on its right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes. It is reported to hold a significant stockpile of uranium enriched to 60%, which could be further processed for weapons use if taken to higher levels.
Tehran has said it can withstand the blockade, claiming it is using alternative trade routes and will continue to resist pressure. Iranian officials also stated that the conflict is not yet over.
The war, now in its second month, has already caused thousands of deaths, disrupted global trade routes, and contributed to volatility in energy markets. Iran has largely restricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy corridor.
Diplomatic efforts remain stalled. Iran has reportedly proposed delaying nuclear negotiations until the conflict is formally resolved, but this approach has not met US demands for immediate talks on the nuclear issue.
US intelligence agencies are also reportedly assessing how Iran might respond if Trump were to declare unilateral success in the conflict, according to officials cited in multiple reports.
The situation has been further complicated by internal shifts within Iran’s leadership, with reports suggesting increased influence from hardline elements following the deaths of senior figures during the conflict.
Oil prices rose nearly 3% following concerns that prolonged disruption could tighten global supply, with Brent crude reaching a one-month high.
As tensions continue, both sides remain entrenched, with no clear breakthrough in negotiations.