Liveblog: Trump Says Iran Blockade to Continue Until Deal Reached

April 13, 2026, 10:30 a.m. ET / 14:30 UTC – From the Oval Office, President Donald Trump reiterated that the U.S.-led maritime blockade against Iran will remain in place until a verifiable nuclear agreement is reached, dismissing speculation about an imminent easing of sanctions despite reports of backchannel talks.

The blockade, which has restricted Iranian oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz since January, is costing Tehran approximately $500 million per day in lost revenue, according to Trump’s remarks. He emphasized that any extension of the current temporary ceasefire in regional hostilities — which has held since late March — would be meaningless without a concrete deal on uranium enrichment limits and inspection protocols.

“Iran is losing half a billion dollars a day,” Trump said, standing beside National Security Advisor Mike Waltz. “They feel the pressure. But we’re not lifting a single ship’s restriction until we observe real, irreversible steps back from weaponization. No deal, no relief.”

The comments came during a rare unscripted press availability following a meeting with Gulf Coast governors on energy infrastructure. Trump framed the blockade as a key leverage point in negotiations, asserting that combined with targeted financial sanctions, it has brought Iran closer to the table than at any point since the 2015 JCPOA.

Though, independent analysts caution that the $500 million daily loss figure lacks transparent verification. The U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates Iran’s pre-blockade crude exports at roughly 1.1 million barrels per day. At current Brent crude prices averaging $82 per barrel, that equates to about $90 million daily in gross revenue — suggesting the administration’s figure may include broader economic impacts such as frozen assets, reduced non-oil trade, and currency depreciation.

Iran’s foreign ministry has not issued an official response to Trump’s latest remarks as of this writing. Earlier this week, spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei told state media that Tehran remains open to diplomacy but warned against “economic warfare disguised as negotiation.”

The blockade, enforced by U.S. Navy destroyers and allied frigates from the UK, France, and Greece, focuses on intercepting vessels suspected of carrying Iranian petroleum or petrochemicals. Since its implementation, over 30 ships have been diverted for inspection, though none have been seized, according to U.S. Central Command logs reviewed by Reuters.

Trump also cast doubt on the durability of the ongoing humanitarian pause in Yemen-linked Red Sea tensions, which has seen a decline in Houthi missile and drone attacks on commercial shipping since March 28. “Without a deal with Iran, that quiet doesn’t last,” he said. “Houthis take their orders from Tehran. No Tehran deal, no Red Sea calm.”

Regional observers note that although Iran has significantly reduced its support for Houthi operations in recent weeks — likely due to internal economic strain — direct links between the blockade and decreased rebel activity remain circumstantial. The UN Panel of Experts on Yemen has not yet issued an assessment connecting the two.

Diplomatic channels between Washington and Tehran remain indirect, mediated primarily through Oman. The last known exchange occurred on April 5, when Omani Sultan Haitham bin Tariq hosted separate envoys in Muscat. No joint statement was issued, and neither side confirmed progress on core issues including enrichment levels beyond 3.67% and the timeline for sanctions lifting.

Market analysts say the blockade has contributed to heightened volatility in global energy prices, with Brent crude trading in a $78–$86 range over the past six weeks. Goldman Sachs warned in a client note that prolonged disruption could add a $5–$10 risk premium to oil prices if seasonal demand rises unexpectedly.

For now, the administration appears committed to maintaining pressure. When asked whether a breakthrough could come before the summer, Trump replied: “Could happen tomorrow. Could take months. But we’re not blinking first.”

The next key date to watch is April 22, when the International Atomic Energy Agency is scheduled to release its quarterly verification report on Iran’s nuclear program — a document both sides are expected to scrutinize for signs of compliance or deviation.

As developments unfold, Archysport will continue to monitor official statements, market movements, and regional security indicators. Follow this liveblog for updates as they happen.

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