Tehran, April 30 — The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) says the Trump administration has shifted its approach from “managing the world’s energy” to actively pursuing “disruption,” and that Iran has become the focal point of a coalition opposing that disruption.
In a post on X, the IRGC claimed the change in U.S. policy includes a maritime blockade that is part of a broader effort intended to contain China, Russia and Europe. The IRGC further asserted that after roughly 20 days the White House’s own assessments increasingly indicate the plan is failing, and that Iran now anchors resistance to the campaign.
The IRGC’s post came as U.S. Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper is reportedly expected to brief President Trump while the U.S. military weighs possible additional operations in Iran, a development first reported by Axios.
Separately, the Wall Street Journal has reported that President Trump instructed aides to prepare for an extended blockade of Iran — a high-risk measure meant to force Tehran into nuclear concessions it has long refused. According to officials cited by the Journal, the planned blockade would further restrict shipping to and from Iranian ports and continue to target the country’s oil exports.
Officials told the Journal that Trump views an extended blockade as less risky than resuming bombing campaigns or abandoning pressure entirely. U.S. leaders hope the measure will inflict severe economic strain on Iran to extract concessions. The blockade, however, has already been linked to higher gasoline prices and appears to have had a negative effect on Trump’s approval ratings ahead of the midterm elections.
After a ceasefire on April 7, Trump ordered an end to U.S. bombing of Iran, a move that opened space for diplomacy. Still, the administration’s core goals reportedly remain on the agenda: securing enriched uranium, curbing Tehran’s nuclear and missile programs, and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
(This report is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness or content.)
