Trump warns naval blockade will continue 'in full force' despite Iran opening Hormuz Strait
Shortly after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Friday announced that the Strait of Hormuz has been declared completely open, US President Donald Trump said the naval blockade would remain in place until the US-Iran transaction is 100% completed.
Shortly after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Friday announced that the Strait of Hormuz has been declared completely open, US President Donald Trump said the naval blockade will remain in place until the US-Iran transaction is 100% completed.
Trump issued the warning in a post on Truth Social on Friday. "The Strait of Hormuz is completely open and ready for business and full passage, but 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. This process should go very quickly in that most of the points are already negotiated," he wrote.
The US president's remarks came after Araghchi announced the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, which has been effectively shut since March, days after the US and Israel waged a war against Iran. In retaliation, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) shut the Strait of Hormuz, which serves as a key waterway, transporting roughly a fifth of the world's oil.
Earlier in the day, Abbas Araghchi, in a post on X, announced, “In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of the ceasefire, on the coordinated route as already announced by the Ports and Maritime Organisation of the Islamic Rep. of Iran.”
Navigation through Hormuz to be in coordination with IRGC
According to a Reuters report, a senior Iranian official said that navigation through Hormuz will be in coordination with the Islamic Republic and the IRGC. However, there has been no official confirmation regarding it yet.
US enforces naval blockade
Trump announced a US military blockade of ships sailing via the Strait to Iranian ports on 12 April, hours after it was reported that talks with Iran in Islamabad ended without agreement.
How did the US enforce a naval blockade?
According to a US Central Command post on X, the naval blockade mission was being executed by over 10,000 personnel and 100-plus fighter and surveillance aircraft, along with 12-plus warships. The US Central Command noted that no Iranian ships will be allowed in or out of ports, and that this is being imposed impartially against vessels of all nations.
US-Iran to reach a deal soon?
Earlier on Thursday, the US President said talks with Tehran could happen as soon as this weekend, renewing hopes of extending the ceasefire and ending the six-week-long conflict, which rattled the global energy market.
According to Reuters, despite Trump's optimism, Iranian sources on Friday said that some "gaps remained to be resolved" before reaching a preliminary deal, and senior clerics leading Friday prayers struck a defiant tone.
A Pakistani source involved in mediation talks between the US and Iran told Reuters on Friday that there has been progress in backdoor diplomacy and that an upcoming meeting between the two sides could lead to the signing of a memorandum of understanding, followed by a comprehensive deal within 60 days.
US enforces naval blockade
Trump announced a US military blockade of ships sailing via the Strait to Iranian ports on 12 April, hours after it was reported that talks with Iran in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, ended without agreement.
How did the US enforce a naval blockade?
According to a US Central Command's post on X, the naval blockade mission was being executed by over 10,000 personnel and 100-plus fighter and surveillance aircraft, along with 12-plus warships. The US Central Command noted that no Iranian ships will be allowed in or out of ports, and that this is being imposed impartially against vessels of all nations.
US-Iran to reach a deal soon?
Earlier on Thursday, the US President said that talks with Tehran could happen as soon as this weekend, renewing hopes of extending the ceasefire and ending the six-week-long conflict, which rattled the global energy market.
According to Reuters, despite Trump's optimism, Iranian sources on Friday said that some "gaps remained to be resolved" before reaching a preliminary deal, and senior clerics leading Friday prayers struck a defiant tone.
A Pakistani source involved in mediation talks between the US and Iran told Reuters on Friday that there has been progress in backdoor diplomacy and that an upcoming meeting between the two sides could result in the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU), followed by a comprehensive deal within 60 days.
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The source said, "Both sides are agreeing in principle. And technical bits come later," and added that one of the key sticking points has been over Tehran's nuclear ambitions, with the US proposing at last weekend's talks a 20-year suspension of all Iranian nuclear activity. Tehran suggested a halt of three to five years.
About the Author
Swati Gandhi is a digital journalist with over four years of experience, specialising in international and geopolitical issues. Her work focuses on foreign policy, global power shifts, and the political and economic forces shaping international relations, with a particular emphasis on how global developments affect India. She approaches journalism with a strong belief in context-driven reporting, aiming to break down complex global events into clear, accessible narratives for a wide readership.<br><br> Previously, Swati has worked at Business Standard, where she covered a range of beats including national affairs, politics, and business. This diverse newsroom experience helped her build a strong grounding in reporting, while also strengthening her ability to work across both breaking news and in-depth explanatory stories. Covering multiple beats early in her career has helped her be informed about her current work, allowing her to connect domestic developments with wider international trends.<br><br> At Live Mint, she focuses on international and geopolitical issues through a business and economic lens, examining how global political developments, foreign policy decisions, and power shifts impact markets, industries, and India’s strategic and economic interests.<br><br> She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English (Honours) from the University of Delhi and a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University. Her academic training has shaped her emphasis on precision, analytical rigour, and clarity in writing. Her interests include global political economy and the intersection of geopolitics with business.<br><br> Outside work, Swati focuses on exploring her passion and love for food. From fancy cafes to street spots, Swati explores food like a true foodie.
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