US President Donald Trump warned Iran to “get smart soon,” escalating rhetoric as his administration considers extending a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said Iran “can’t get their act together” and criticised its approach to negotiations.

“They don’t know how to sign a non-nuclear deal,” he added, signalling frustration with Tehran’s latest proposal to end the conflict.

His remarks come as the United States moves to intensify pressure on Iran.

According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, Trump has instructed aides to prepare for a prolonged blockade aimed at restricting vessels travelling to and from Iranian ports, targeting the country’s oil exports.

Iran has proposed resolving shipping disputes and ending the conflict before addressing its nuclear programme, but US officials say Trump has rejected that approach and wants nuclear issues dealt with from the outset.

Earlier, Trump claimed that Iran had asked for the Strait of Hormuz to be reopened while it worked through internal challenges, saying Tehran had indicated it was in a “state of collapse.”

The developments point to a hardening US stance, with Washington favouring sustained economic and maritime pressure over compromise as the two sides remain at odds over how to end the conflict.