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President says Iran must agree never to have a nuclear weapon and defends naval blockade
Summary
In a White House gaggle the President said Iran 'will not have a nuclear weapon,' described a U.S. naval blockade begun at '10:00,' and said other nations have offered assistance; he tied the blockade to multiple objectives including forcing Iran back to talks and affecting oil flows.
Asked whether further talks with Iran were planned and who might represent the U.S., the President said negotiators have spoken and that a deal is possible only if Iran agrees never to acquire a nuclear weapon, stating, "Iran will not have a nuclear weapon." He described the blockade as serving multiple aims, including bringing Iran back to negotiations and influencing global oil movement.
When asked whether other countries would assist, the President said offers had been made and that he would "let it be known probably tomorrow." He also told reporters the blockade "started 10:00," and described the U.S. position as able to rely on domestic oil production while noting that many tankers are arriving "empty and out full." In one exchange the President added, "Either we'll get it back from them or we'll take it," when a reporter asked about recovering material.
The President framed the actions as defensive and aimed at preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear capability; he did not provide legal citations, multilateral arrangements, or a detailed operational timetable during the gaggle. Reporters asked follow-up questions about endgame goals, assistance from other nations and the impact on global energy markets, but the President gave broad policy statements rather than operational specifics.
