Trump warns Iran to 'get smart' as naval blockade drags on

President Trump warned Iran on Wednesday to accept strict nuclear controls "soon" as a U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports entered its second month, peace talks collapsed and Brent crude surged 5.16 percent to $117 a barrel.

The breakdown in negotiations threatens to deepen a global humanitarian crisis, with the UN warning that more than 30 million people across 160 countries could be pushed into poverty as the conflict, now roughly two months old, shows no sign of resolution.

Trump posted a threat to social media Wednesday featuring a mocked-up image of himself holding a rifle amid explosions and the slogan "No more Mr. Nice Guy!" "Iran can't get their act together... They better get smart soon," the president wrote, according to The Korea Times.

The president told oil executives the naval blockade of Iranian ports could last several months, while downplaying effects on American consumers, the Times reported. At a White House state dinner with King Charles III, Trump declared: "We're never going to let that opponent have a nuclear weapon."

Iran rejected the U.S. position and proposed instead a gradual, mutual lifting of blockades paired with continued nuclear talks. That offer was turned down. Iranian Army Spokesman Amir Akraminia told state television, "We do not consider the war to be over," and warned, "We have many cards that we have not yet used."

Brent crude for June delivery jumped to $117 a barrel following the collapse in talks, according to The Korea Times. The Pentagon estimates U.S. military costs have reached $25 billion since operations began roughly two months ago. Iran's rial fell to historic lows against the dollar amid the sustained economic pressure.

The humanitarian toll is spreading far beyond the conflict zone. UN Development Programme Chief Alexander De Croo warned of "development in reverse," with the organization projecting the war could push more than 30 million people across 160 countries into poverty. In Lebanon, more than 1.2 million people face acute hunger despite a ceasefire extension between Israel and Hezbollah, as Israeli strikes have continued.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said Israel "must first fully implement the ceasefire in order to move on to negotiations," adding that the "only path to security is through negotiations," according to The Korea Times.

Iran has maintained a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz since U.S. and Israeli forces launched military operations roughly two months ago. A ceasefire took hold April 8, but with both sides signaling readiness to resume hostilities, any diplomatic resolution remains out of reach.