Why The Blockade Is Trump’s Best Card

Apr 22, 2026 | 21:31 IST

It hits Iran where it hurts most – its economy – and chokes off Iranian oil. It also helps White House evade US Congressional approval for Op Epic Fury. But, Iran could retaliate and spread the pain

Four days after the first round of peace talks between Iran and US came to a halt without an agreement, US announced a naval blockade of Iranian ports. This blockade has continued even after Iran, if only briefly, announced an end to its blockade of Strait of Hormuz. Now, Trump has extended the ceasefire, but isn’t lifting the American blockade. It appears that Washington’s intent is to use the blockade of Iranian ports as a central instrument to reshape the terms of dialogue.

For Trump administration, the blockade represents its most effective leverage against Iran in negotiations. This is an instrument that not only hurts Iran financially, militarily, and politically, but is also a convenient option for Trump domestically.

TOI

TOI

Why The Blockade Is Trump’s Best Card

It hits Iran where it hurts most – its economy – and chokes off Iranian oil. It also helps White House evade US Congressional approval for Op Epic Fury. But, Iran could retaliate and spread the pain

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TOI

Why The Blockade Is Trump’s Best Card

It hits Iran where it hurts most – its economy – and chokes off Iranian oil. It also helps White House evade US Congressional approval for Op Epic Fury. But, Iran could retaliate and spread the pain

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