U.S. President Donald Trump told aides to prepare for a protracted blockade of Iran, The Wall Street Journal reported April 28, citing U.S. officials. After the report, Brent oil prices rose to nearly $117 per barrel, largely driven by the risk of prolonged disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump has indicated a preference for prolonged economic pressure on Iran as opposed to other options, including a resumption of the war or ending the conflict with greater Iranian influence over the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. intelligence agencies have also reportedly been analyzing how Iran would respond if Trump declared victory and pulled back from the conflict.