U.S. President Donald Trump has directed allies to prepare for a long-term naval blockade targeting Iran, according to a Wall Street Journal report published Tuesday. The directive followed a Monday meeting with officials involved in operations in Iran, where Trump said he preferred economic pressure over renewed warfare or withdrawal. He described the blockade strategy as less risky than resuming conflict.

The move comes after the U.S.-Israel coalition launched an invasion of Iran on February 28, resulting in the deaths of several senior Iranian officials, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Despite the offensive, the coalition failed to achieve its objectives, and Iran retaliated with strikes on Israeli and U.S.-linked targets in the Middle East while closing the strategic Strait of Hormuz. A ceasefire was declared on April 7, followed by unsuccessful peace talks in Islamabad on April 11–12.

Trump rejected a new Iranian ceasefire proposal conveyed through Pakistan, citing its omission of Iran’s nuclear program. He later stated at a state dinner honoring Britain’s King Charles that U.S. forces were performing well in the Middle East and vowed to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.