US weighs short, powerful strikes on Iran to break talks deadlock: Report

US Central Command (CENTCOM) has reportedly prepared a plan for a “short and powerful” wave of strikes aimed at breaking the deadlock in US-Iran negotiations and pushing Tehran back to talks, while President Donald Trump said the naval blockade on Iran will continue until a peace deal is reached.

According to an Axios report, sources believe that the planned strikes are expected to target Iranian infrastructure. At the same time, sources familiar with the matter told Axios that Trump is set to receive a briefing on new plans for potential military action in Iran.

The preparations by CENTCOM come alongside Trump’s reported decision to continue with the naval blockade for now as a way to increase pressure on Iran. The report said Trump is rejecting an Iranian proposal to open the Strait of Hormuz, where the US has maintained the blockade.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Trump posted an image on social media showing himself holding a gun, along with the words ‘no more Mr Nice Guy’, and decided to resort to the blockade as a way to push Iran towards a deal.

Trump has said he is using the naval blockade as leverage to force a deal, arguing in an interview that it is more effective than military strikes.

He claimed Iran is “choking like a stuffed pig” and warned that pressure will intensify, adding, “They can’t have a nuclear weapon.”

Trump also said Iran is seeking negotiations to have the blockade lifted, but insisted he would not ease it for that purpose.

He further claimed Iran’s oil infrastructure is nearing collapse due to its inability to export oil, a point disputed by some analysts.

On the other side, an Iranian security source reportedly warned that the blockade would be met with “practical and unprecedented action.”

While noting that Iran has shown restraint to allow space for diplomacy, the source cautioned that continued pressure could trigger a “punishing response.”

Meanwhile, Trump said negotiations with Iran are still ongoing and claimed Tehran has “come a long way.” However, he questioned whether they are willing to go far enough, stating that no deal is possible unless Iran permanently agrees to abandon any nuclear weapons program.

He added that it is time for Iran to “cry uncle” and admit defeat.

Iran, however, has pushed back on that framing, making clear it does not accept Trump’s assessment that it has been defeated.