Trump Insists U.S. Blockade of Iran Persists Despite Strait of Hormuz Reopening Announcement
Washington, D.C. – President Donald Trump announced Friday that the United States will maintain its military blockade on Iranian ports and vessels, even as Iran’s foreign minister declared the Strait of Hormuz “completely open” for commercial shipping following a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.[1][7]
In a series of posts on Truth Social, Trump welcomed Iran’s announcement but emphasized that the U.S. naval operations targeting Iranian shipping would continue until a comprehensive peace deal is finalized. “THE NAVAL BLOCKADE WILL REMAIN IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT AS IT PERTAINS TO IRAN, ONLY, UNTIL SUCH TIME AS OUR TRANSACTION WITH IRAN IS 100% COMPLETE,” Trump wrote, adding that the negotiation process “SHOULD GO VERY QUICKLY IN THAT MOST OF THE POINTS ARE ALREADY NEGOTIATED.”[1][2]
Background on the Escalation
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway between Iran and Oman through which roughly 20% of the world’s oil passes, became a flashpoint in the ongoing Iran war now entering its seventh week. Iran had imposed tolls on vessels transiting the strait and laid mines, drastically reducing commercial traffic and spiking global energy prices.[2][3][10]
Tensions boiled over after marathon peace talks in Pakistan, led by Vice President JD Vance, collapsed without agreement. On Sunday, April 13, Trump ordered the U.S. Navy to blockade ships entering or exiting Iranian ports, effective 10 a.m. EDT on Monday. “Effective immediately, the United States Navy, the Finest in the World, will begin the process of BLOCKADING any and all Ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz,” he posted.[3][2]
The U.S. clarified that the blockade targets only Iranian ports and vessels carrying contraband or paying Iranian tolls, without impeding general freedom of navigation through the strait to non-Iranian ports. By Wednesday, the Navy had turned back 10 Iranian-flagged oil tankers.[4][5]
Ceasefire and Iranian Concession
The turning point came with a ceasefire halting Israel-Hezbollah fighting in Lebanon. Iran’s foreign minister then stated that, in light of the truce, “passage for all commercial vessels through Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open,” via designated routes coordinated by Iranian authorities.[1][9]
Trump initially celebrated the move, posting that the strait was “completely open and ready for business.” However, he quickly followed up to stress the blockade’s persistence, aimed at pressuring Iran on its nuclear program and other demands.[7][9]
“Strait of Hormuz is completely open and ready for business… THE NAVAL BLOCKADE WILL REMAIN IN FULL FORCE… UNTIL SUCH TIME AS OUR TRANSACTION WITH IRAN IS 100% COMPLETE.”
— President Trump, Truth Social[1]
Path to Peace?
Trump has repeatedly claimed Iran is on the verge of capitulation. In remarks to CBS News, he said Iranians have “agreed to everything,” including removal of enriched uranium stocks—a key U.S. demand since the war’s outset.[6][11][13]
Pakistan continues pushing for renewed talks, with Trump stating the war is “close to over.” Yet Iran has rejected some claims, vowing a harsh response to aggression, while allies like the U.K., Australia, and Spain have declined to join the blockade.[5][8][14]
Global Implications
The blockade, backed by over 15 U.S. warships, has intercepted Iran-linked vessels and cleared mines, but ship tracking data shows some evasion attempts.[5][8][10]
Energy markets remain volatile. Trump’s dual goals—resuming nuclear talks and lowering prices—hang in the balance as diplomacy teeters. “We can’t let a country blackmail or extort the world,” he told reporters earlier.[2]
Expert Analysis
Naval expert Rear Adm. (ret.) Mike Murrett told CBS News the blockade pressures Iran effectively but risks escalation. CBS correspondents Imtiaz Tyab and Eleanor Watson reported from the strait, confirming limited traffic post-announcement.[8][10][11]
As negotiations loom, the world watches whether Trump’s hardline stance yields peace or prolongs conflict in this vital chokepoint.