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 has 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.

Israel to allow international force into Gaza, Israeli official says
Firefighters battle blazes near France's Bordeaux, Macron in crisis talks
Kuwait strongly condemns repeated Houthi attacks on ships in Red Sea
Trump gives Iran talks 'room', US ambassador to UN says
Southern China faces torrential rain, flood risk after Typhoon Noul hits land
