New Delhi, April 30 -- US President Donald Trump has said the United States will continue a naval blockade on Iran until Tehran agrees to a deal addressing Washington's concerns over its nuclear program.

Trump also rejected an Iranian proposal that would first reopen the Strait of Hormuz and ease the blockade before nuclear negotiations, insisting pressure must remain in place.

Trump, in the interview with Axios, framed the naval blockade as a central tool of leverage against Tehran, even suggesting it could be more effective than military strikes.

"The blockade is somewhat more effective than the bombing. They are choking like a stuffed pig. And it is going to be worse for them. They can't have a nuclear weapon," Trump said.

He added...