Trump does not forgive Iran and rejects Tehran's conditions. “They're suffocating like a stuffed pig”
2026-04-29 18:18
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2026-04-29 18:18
US President Donald Trump intends to maintain the naval blockade of Iran until the regime agrees to an agreement that takes into account US concerns about Iran's nuclear program, Axios reported on Wednesday, citing sources. Oil prices are rising strongly.
Axios reported that Trump rejects Iran's proposal to first open the Strait of Hormuz and lift the blockade, while postponing talks on the nuclear deal to a later stage.
“A blockade is slightly more effective than a bombing. They are suffocating like a stuffed pig. And it will be even worse for them. They cannot have nuclear weapons,” Trump told Axios.
Trump said Iran wanted to reach an agreement to lift the blockade.
“They want a settlement. They don't want me to maintain the blockade. I don't want to lift the blockade because I don't want them to have nuclear weapons,” Trump added in an interview with Axios.
The president added that Iran's oil storage facilities and pipelines are “on the verge of exploding” because Iran cannot export oil due to the blockade. Some analysts doubt Iran is under any immediate threat on this front.
According to Axios sources, the US president would consider taking military action if Iran still does not back down. In a phone call with Axios on Wednesday that lasted about 15 minutes, Trump declined to discuss any military plans.
Three sources with knowledge of the situation told Axios that U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has prepared a plan for a “short and strong” wave of strikes against Iran in hopes of breaking the impasse in negotiations. After the attacks, which would likely also include infrastructure targets, the United States would pressure the regime to return to the negotiating table and show more flexibility.
“Iran can't get their act together. They have no idea how to sign a non-nuclear agreement. They better come to their senses soon!” – Trump wrote earlier on Wednesday in a post on his social media platform Truth Social, publishing an AI-generated graphic showing him with an automatic rifle in his hand against a background of explosions, with the caption “no more being a nice guy!”
On the oil market, WTI contracts for June are increasing by 6.81%. to USD 10,675 per barrel, and June Brent futures increase by 6.8%. up to USD 118.82/b. (PAP Business)
Access to bases in Europe is crucial for operations against Iran, said the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Dan Caine, in the House of Representatives on Wednesday. He thus responded to a question about President Donald Trump's criticism of NATO allies.
Caine responded to a question from Republican Congressman Mike Turner, who wanted the general to emphasize the importance of access to bases in Europe during the war with Iran in the face of criticism against NATO allies.
“From a purely military standpoint, allies and alliances are very important, and you articulated better than I did the importance of access, bases and overflight rights,” said the president's most senior commander and military adviser. “As to who these allies are and what their quality is, I'll leave that to civilian leaders, but we certainly appreciate those allies who have helped us,” he added. When asked whether this support was necessary, he replied in the affirmative.
President Trump's criticism of allies was also condemned by several Democrats during the hearing, including Armed Services Committee Vice Chairman Adam Smith. He stressed that NATO is a defensive alliance and that it is illogical to ask allies to join a reckless war started without consulting them.
General Caine also talked about the current US support for Ukraine. He noted that it continues in the form of sharing intelligence information.
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