Donald Trump confirmed he does not regret easing sanctions on Iran and ending the naval blockade before both sides resumed fighting last week.
On 14 Jul 2026 GMT+7, U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters in the Oval Office at the White House that he felt no regret about temporarily easing sanctions on Iran before his administration reinstated those measures and launched military operations again last week.
“Not at all. I gave them a chance,” Trump said after being asked if he regretted ordering the lifting of the naval blockade or extending Iran sanctions exemptions. “I wanted to give them an opportunity to reach an agreement.”
Previously, the Trump administration temporarily eased Iranian oil sanctions as part of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Iran. However, after Iran attacked cargo ships near the Strait of Hormuz last week, the U.S. government revoked those exemptions, reinstated the naval blockade, and launched a new round of military strikes.
Additionally, President Trump said the sanctions package aimed at Russia may soon be expanded to also cover Iran and Lebanon's Hezbollah group.
“They are going to add Iran, which is a big deal,” Trump said. “And they might add Hezbollah as well.”
Meanwhile, bipartisan members of Congress are urgently pushing to pass this legislation following the death of Senator Lindsey Graham, who had long championed the new sanctions measures.
The U.S. president said the sanctions have a “high chance” of success once some final details are settled. “Lindsey really wanted this. This is being done in honor of Lindsey,” Trump said.
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Source:cnn