IRAN UPDATE – 04/29/26 AM – Trump warns Iran to ‘get smart’ as he eyes prolonged Hormuz blockade
Summary
- US President Donald Trump said Iran was failing to reach a nonnuclear deal and warned it should “get smart soon” in a Truth Social post.
- The UN said at least 21 people had been executed and more than 4,000 arrested in Iran since the war began, many linked to the January 2026 protests.
- Iran’s rial weakened to a record low of around 1.8 million per dollar on Wednesday, reflecting ongoing economic pressure.
- Iran’s internet blackout entered its 61st day on Wednesday, with most of the public still cut off from the global internet despite limited tiered access for select groups.
- Trump said Iran was in a “state of collapse” and wants the Strait of Hormuz reopened, while insisting Tehran will never be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon.
- US Treasury expanded sanctions on Iran’s shadow banking, oil, crypto and procurement networks, and warned firms against paying Iran or the IRGC “tolls” for Hormuz passage.
- Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains severely disrupted, with only a handful of vessels crossing, while US forces say dozens of ships have been redirected under the blockade.