Trump Discusses Steps to Extend Iran Blockade for Months in Meeting with Oil Executives
Reflecto News | US-Iran Conflict | Energy Markets
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump met with top oil industry executives on Tuesday to discuss how to mitigate the economic impact of a potential months-long extension of the U.S. naval blockade of Iran’s ports, a White House official confirmed on Wednesday .
The meeting, held at the White House, included Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Vice President JD Vance, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, and special envoy Steve Witkoff, along with Chevron CEO Mike Wirth and executives from commodity trading firms Trafigura, Vitol, and Mercuria .
🔒 ‘Continue the Current Blockade for Months if Needed’
According to a White House official who spoke on condition of anonymity, the executives “discussed the steps President Trump has taken to alleviate global oil markets and steps we could take to continue the current blockade for months if needed and minimize impact on American consumers” .
The meeting comes as gasoline prices have reached four-year highs, with the national average hitting $4.22 per gallon on Wednesday, according to AAA . Brent crude oil surged above $126 per barrel at one point on Thursday before paring gains, as markets reacted to the prospect of a prolonged disruption .
Trump told Axios in a separate interview that the naval blockade is working, describing Iran’s position: “They are choking like a stuffed pig. And it is going to be worse for them” .
📊 ’42 Vessels Redirected, 69 Million Barrels Blocked’
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced Wednesday that it had reached a “significant milestone,” having successfully redirected the 42nd commercial vessel attempting to violate the blockade .
CENTCOM stated that there are now “41 tankers with 69 million barrels of oil that the Iranian regime can’t sell,” estimating the value at more than $6 billion .
The naval blockade, imposed on April 13, is designed to restrict Tehran’s oil revenues and pressure it to accept U.S. demands for strict controls on its nuclear program. Iran has responded by maintaining its stranglehold over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20% of the world’s oil normally passes .
⏳ Talks Stalled as Iran Considers Response
Diplomatic efforts to end the two-month war remain deadlocked. Trump recently rejected Iran’s latest proposal, which offered to ease its chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for Washington lifting its blockade and postponing nuclear negotiations .
A Pakistani source told Reuters that the United States has shared “observations” on Iran’s proposal, and Tehran has asked for “time till the end of the week” to respond .
Trump has maintained a hardline stance on social media, posting on Truth Social Wednesday that Iran “couldn’t get its act together” and “better get smart soon” .
Meanwhile, CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper is expected to brief Trump on Thursday on new plans for potential military action against Iran, according to two sources with knowledge of the planning .
🔮 What Comes Next
- Prolonged blockade preparations: The administration is actively preparing for a maritime siege that could last into the summer
- Military option: Trump will receive a briefing on potential strike plans on Thursday
- Diplomatic limbo: Iran has requested until the end of the week to respond to U.S. counter-proposals
- Market impact: Oil prices likely to remain volatile as long as the standoff continues
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