Axios: Trump to maintain blockade until Iran abandons nuclear programme

US President Donald Trump said in an interview with Axios that Washington does not intend to lift the maritime blockade of Iran until an agreement is reached on the country’s nuclear programme.

According to the US leader, Tehran is interested in resolving the situation, but the United States will continue its pressure: “I don't want to [lift the blockade], because I don't want them to have a nuclear weapon.”

Trump stressed that the blockade is a more effective instrument of pressure than bombings. It has already led to serious economic problems in Iran, which, he said, is “choking like a stuffed pig.”