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US prepares for long conflict with Iran, Waltz says

Published

US ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz said Washington could still be in a stalemate with Iran a year from now. He said the US Navy can keep its blockade of Iranian ports in place for the foreseeable future.

Waltz said a stalemate could last if there is no deal on Iran's nuclear programme and no return to prewar shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. He said the administration is tightening its economic pressure on Tehran.

Waltz also said the US will not have met its strategic goals until it disposes of Iran's highly enriched nuclear material. He said the US also wants a meaningful agreement on domestic enrichment.

US Central Command said the reinstated blockade of Iranian ports has run for 100 days. It said the blockade has prevented $25 billion in Iranian crude oil exports. At the last US update, on 17 October, it had redirected 138 ships.

The Trump administration hopes bombing campaigns and sanctions will force major concessions from Iran. Reports said Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu renewed threats of a fresh offensive after the 3 November midterms.

Key facts

Who
Donald Trump (US president); Mike Waltz (US Ambassador (envoy)); Trump administration (US government); Benjamin Netanyahu (Israeli prime minister)
What
Donald Trump's UN ambassador said the US is preparing for a protracted conflict with Iran, even as the White House hopes bombing campaigns and sanctions will force concessions from Tehran.
When
23 October 2026
Where
Iran, Strait of Hormuz, United States
Status
Reported

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