‘Blast the hell out of them or make a deal’: Trump ‘not satisfied’ with Iran’s proposal; US blockade costs Tehran $4.8 billion

US President Donald Trump on Friday framed a stark choice in Washington’s approach towards Iran, saying the United States could either escalate militarily or pursue a negotiated settlement, even as he voiced dissatisfaction with the latest proposals from Tehran.

The remarks come amid continuing tensions in the West Asia region, with negotiations underway but uncertainty persisting over whether a final agreement can be reached to end the conflict.

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When asked about the options before the United States, Trump said, “There are options. Do we want to go and just blast the hell out of them and finish them forever? Or do we want to try and make a deal. That’s the options.”

“On a human basis, I’d prefer not,” he added, while making it clear that military action remained a possibility if talks fail.

Trump says he is ‘not satisfied’ with Iran’s proposal

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said he was not convinced by Iran’s latest proposal aimed at ending the conflict.

“They want to make a deal, but I’m not satisfied with it, so we’ll see what happens,” he said.

He did not specify which aspects of the proposal were unacceptable, but indicated doubts over whether Tehran would ultimately agree to a settlement. “They’ve made strides, but I’m not sure if they ever get there,” Trump added.

The US President also pointed to divisions within Iran’s leadership, suggesting internal differences were complicating the negotiation process.

“The leadership is very disjointed. It’s got two to three groups, maybe four, and it’s a very disjointed leadership. And with that being said, they all want to make a deal, but they’re all messed up,” he said.

Economic pressure mounts as blockade hits Iran’s oil revenue

Amid the diplomatic uncertainty, the United States has continued to apply pressure on Iran through enforcement operations in key maritime routes.

According to a report by Axios citing Pentagon estimates, the US blockade in the Gulf of Oman and surrounding areas has cost Iran nearly USD 4.8 billion in oil revenue.

Officials said the measures were aimed at disrupting sanctioned maritime trade and energy exports, tightening financial pressure on Tehran.

Highlighting the impact of the blockade, Sean Parnell, Assistant to the Secretary of War for Public Affairs and Chief Pentagon Spokesman, quoted Acting Pentagon Press Secretary Joel Valdez as saying, “The United States’ blockade in the Strait of Hormuz is operating with full force and delivering the decisive impact we intended.”

Valdez added, “We are inflicting a devastating blow to the Iranian regime’s ability to fund terrorism and regional destabilization. Our Armed Forces in the region will continue to maintain this unrelenting pressure.”

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also defended the blockade, asserting that Washington had complete control over the Strait of Hormuz and that the restrictions would remain in place until “Freedom of Navigation” is restored.

“The United States has complete control of the Strait of Hormuz… The BLOCKADE will continue, until there is pre-February 27 Freedom of Navigation,” Bessent wrote on X.