Trump's top aide says US blockade "squeezing economic life" out of Iran, reiterates anti-nuclear stance

White House official Stephen Miller said a US naval blockade is squeezing the economic life out of Iran, underscoring President Donald Trump's insistence on preventing Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons while pursuing a deal to end hostilities in West Asia. Citing Operation Epic Fury and a two week ceasefire, Miller said Iran spurned talks and now faces tightened pressure. US Central Command said the blockade halted all maritime trade to and from Iran within 36 hours, with USS Spruance turning back an Iranian flagged cargo ship and ten vessels redirected so far.