Trump vows to maintain Iran blockade until leaders 'cry uncle,' rejects nuclear deal without restrictions

President Trump stated he will maintain a U.S. naval blockade on Iran until Tehran agrees to abandon its nuclear weapons program, telling Axios that 'the blockade is somewhat more effective than the bombing' and that Iran is 'choking like a stuffed pig.' Trump rejected an Iranian proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz before nuclear negotiations, insisting pressure must remain. In White House remarks, he said Iran would 'have to cry uncle' and claimed the blockade has been '100% foolproof.' Trump declared the U.S. will never strike a deal unless Iran 'fully abandons its nuclear weapons program,' maintaining his hardline stance despite mounting global economic costs from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Statements were made during an Axios interview and subsequent White House press remarks on April 30, 2026.

"The blockade is somewhat more effective than the bombing. They are choking like a stuffed pig. And it is going to be worse for them. They can't have a nuclear weapon." — Statement made during Axios interview regarding the ongoing U.S. naval blockade of Iran and rejection of nuclear negotiations without preconditions