US-Iran Standoff Escalates: Trump Preps for Extended Blockade, Iran Offers Three-Stage Plan
On April 29, 2026, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz saw significant new developments. According to Bloomberg and the Wall Street Journal, US President Trump has instructed his team to prepare for a potentially extended blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran has proposed a three-stage reconciliation plan in an attempt to break the diplomatic stalemate that has persisted for weeks.
Trump’s Extended Blockade Plan
According to Bloomberg, citing people familiar with the matter, Trump has asked aides to develop contingency plans for a “lengthy” Hormuz Strait blockade, suggesting the US may not lift its naval blockade of Iran in the near term. The WSJ report confirmed this news, noting that the Trump administration is assessing the possibility of maintaining the blockade for months.
This stance echoes Trump’s earlier comments to the media during a state visit — he urged Iran to sign a deal, implying the US holds “leverage” on the blockade issue. According to Reuters, Trump stated on April 29 that the US would not lift the blockade unless it reached a “good deal” with Iran.
Iran’s Three-Stage Proposal
Meanwhile, Business Standard reported that Iran has proposed a three-stage plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz:
- Stage One: The US first ceases military operations and opens ceasefire negotiations
- Stage Two: Under the ceasefire framework, reopen the Strait of Hormuz
- Stage Three: After strait navigation is restored, proceed to nuclear negotiations
The core logic of this proposal is “ceasefire first, then navigation, then nuclear talks” — a sharp contrast to the US position of “resolve nuclear issues first, then lift the blockade.”
Reactions from Various Parties
Qatar’s foreign minister stated that the Strait of Hormuz should not be used as a “bargaining chip.” Meanwhile, the positions of Russia and China continue to draw attention — reports indicate that Russian President Putin has held talks with Iranian envoys on the situation.
According to CNBC and The Economic Times, the continued uncertainty in the Strait of Hormuz has already become a significant factor in the Federal Reserve’s decision to maintain interest rates. International oil prices rose on April 29, and market concerns about energy supply disruptions continue to intensify.
Outlook
Analysts note that the core分歧 between the US and Iran remain significant — the US demands substantial concessions from Iran on its nuclear program, while Iran insists on lifting the blockade before discussing other issues. If both sides cannot find compromise space in the near term, the Hormuz blockade could persist for months, with profound implications for global energy markets and the geopolitical landscape.
Source: Bloomberg, WSJ, Business Standard, Reuters