Trump Consults Oil Companies on Iran Squeeze, Shares Gun Photo with 'No More Mr. Nice Guy' Caption
Trump met with oil executives to discuss managing potential impacts of a U.S. naval blockade on Iran's ports, as tensions escalate over nuclear weapons and Strait of Hormuz access. Oil prices surged over 6 percent amid the standoff, which h
President Donald Trump discussed how to mitigate the impact of a possible months-long U.S. blockade of Iran's ports with oil companies, a White House official said on Wednesday, as the U.S. renewed its calls for other nations to help open the Strait of Hormuz. Tuesday's talks with oil executives followed a deadlock in efforts to resolve the conflict, which has led the United States to try to squeeze Iran's oil exports with a naval blockade aimed at forcing it to reopen the Strait to shipping. Trump stated that Iran cannot possess nuclear weapons despite repeatedly claiming its program is for peaceful purposes. 'They don't know how to sign a non-nuclear deal. They'd better get smart soon!' Trump said in a social media post. He also posted a mock-up image of himself wearing dark glasses and wielding a machine gun, captioned 'No more Mr. Nice Guy.' Oil prices rose more than 6 percent, with Brent crude touching its highest level in a month due to the prolonged blockade outlook. U.S. Department of Defense officials stated the conflict has already cost the U.S. military $25 billion, the first official cost estimate following U.S. coordination with Israel in launching strikes against Iran in February 2025. Meanwhile, Iran vowed to continue blocking passage through the Strait of Hormuz as long as it remains threatened, warning of 'unprecedented military operations.' Iran is seeking U.S. recognition of its right to uranium enrichment for civilian and peaceful purposes. Iran currently holds approximately 440 kilograms of 60 percent enriched uranium, enough to produce significant quantities of nuclear weapons. Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, speaker of Iran's parliament and head of its negotiating team, said Trump is attempting to divide Iranians and force capitulation through the blockade. 'The only way to counter the enemy's new conspiracy is to maintain unity,' Qalibaf said. Iran's latest proposal to end the conflict, which has been suspended since April 8 under a ceasefire agreement, would defer nuclear program discussions until the conflict is formally resolved and shipping issues are addressed.
