Trump Orders New Land Blockade While Telling Iran He Sees No Need to Escalate
The president defended starting the war in February as historically sound even as he meets with Qatari mediators to seek a diplomatic exit.
By Neha Kapoor ·
President Donald Trump is set to meet with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani at the White House on Monday, a move that underscores the U.S. attempt to close a conflict that has strained global markets since February.
In an interview aired on Sunday, the president told CBS's 60 Minutes that he is "not looking" to intensify the war against Iran. "Well, I'm not looking to. I don't think there's any reason to," he said when asked about plans to expand the conflict.
Despite this restraint, Trump defended his decision to initiate hostilities in late February as "historically" a very good decision. He acknowledged that the economic impacts have been negative in the short term, noting, "Is it a good decision for today and tomorrow? Maybe not." He cited Iran's nuclear program as the primary justification for his actions.
While the president seeks a diplomatic path, Secretary of State Marco Rubio tempered expectations for an immediate resolution. Speaking late Sunday before departing for a G7 meeting in Paris, Rubio stated that the two sides are not "at the verge of a breakthrough." He described the current negotiations as unproductive because Iran's demands are "simply not just unacceptable."
Rubio indicated that G7 allies will likely have numerous questions regarding the conflict and the administration's next steps. He reiterated that the president prefers a diplomatic solution over further military engagement, even as the economic pressures from the war continue to mount.
Amidst these diplomatic efforts, the U.S. military has expanded its physical enforcement of the blockade. Trump announced on Truth Social that a new unit, Task Force Iron Gate, is "in full force and effect" within the Islamic Republic of Iran. He described the effort as part of "history's greatest Naval Blockade," claiming that very little gets into or out of the country.
U.S. Central Command announced on Saturday that Task Force Iron Gate aims to extend the naval blockade to overland trade routes. The group will prevent military technology and illegal revenue streams from entering or exiting Iranian borders, including via the Caspian Sea. It remains unclear if any military force will be brought to bear to enforce this overland component.
Sources cited by Axios indicate that Al Thani is looking to secure more time for diplomacy during the White House meeting. Qatar has served as a key mediator in the indirect talks between Washington and Tehran aimed at ending the conflict.
