‘Will remain in full force’: Strait of Hormuz reopens but Trump keeps blockade in place

Washington: United States President Donald Trump has stated that the American naval blockade on Iranian ports will remain in place until a full peace agreement is reached with Tehran, even as Iran moves to restore access to the Strait of Hormuz.

Using his Truth Social platform, Trump clarified Washington’s position, saying: “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 added that the process “should go very quickly.”

In a follow-up post, he also mentioned that Iran is currently removing mines from the Strait of Hormuz with assistance from the United States.

Strait of Hormuz reopens amid ceasefire developments

The comments come after Tehran announced the temporary reopening of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, linked to the ongoing ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. While commercial shipping has resumed through the route, Washington has made it clear that pressure on Iran will not be eased prematurely.

Trump responded to Iran’s announcement on Truth Social with a brief “THANK YOU!”, noting that the waterway was “FULLY OPEN AND READY FOR FULL PASSAGE”. However, he reiterated that the blockade on Iranian ports would only be lifted once a formal peace agreement is signed.

The US President told reporters on Thursday that a deal with Iran was “very close”. However, he also acknowledged that recent high-level negotiations led by Vice President JD Vance in Pakistan over the weekend did not produce a breakthrough.

Despite this, Trump indicated that discussions are still progressing, even as key issues remain unresolved.

Regional developments and Lebanon ceasefire

Iran’s decision to reopen the shipping lane for commercial traffic coincided with the start of the Lebanon truce, raising hopes that obstacles to a broader US-Iran agreement may be easing.

In Lebanon, a 10-day ceasefire has led to large-scale movement of displaced civilians returning home. Roads were reported to be crowded with vehicles as residents travelled back to southern regions and areas of south Beirut damaged by conflict.

Iran confirms suspension of shipping restrictions

Following the start of the truce in Lebanon, where Israel has been engaged in conflict with the Iran-aligned Hezbollah, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that Iran would lift restrictions on shipping through the vital Gulf energy corridor.

With agency inputs