US ​President Donald Trump ‌has instructed ​aides to prepare for an extended blockade of Iran, the ⁠Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday, citing US officials.

In ‌recent meetings, Trump opted to ‌continue squeezing Iran’s economy ‌and oil exports ‌by ‌preventing shipping to and ​from its ports, ‌the ​report said, ⁠adding that he believed ​that ⁠his other options, ⁠including resuming bombing or ⁠walking away from the conflict, carried more risk than maintaining the blockade.

Reuters ‌could not immediately verify ​the report.