BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 28. The United States’ naval blockade against Iran remains “in full force and effect”, White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly has said.
Kelly said Washington is continuing both military and economic pressure on Tehran as the Trump administration seeks to further isolate Iran.
The White House official also confirmed that the US economic pressure campaign known as “Operation Economic Outcast” is under way.
According to Kelly, the operation is intended to “sever every remaining economic lifeline” sustaining the Iranian government.
Her comments indicate that Washington has no immediate plans to ease the naval blockade despite continuing regional diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions.
Recent reporting also indicates that the Trump administration is currently focused on economic pressure rather than returning to the previous US-Iran memorandum of understanding.
Kelly has separately said that there are currently no talks or negotiations under way or scheduled between Washington and Tehran.
The latest White House position comes amid continuing tensions over the Strait of Hormuz and efforts by regional countries to revive diplomatic engagement between the United States and Iran.
