Iran Reopens Strait of Hormuz...Trump Says "Thank You," Naval Blockade to Continue

Pressure on Iran Until an Agreement Is Reached

In response to news that Iran has reopened the Strait of Hormuz, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his gratitude on April 17 (local time). However, he stated that the U.S. Navy's maritime blockade against Iran would remain in place until a peace agreement with Iran is finalized. The outcome of the U.S.-Iran war, including the resumption of peace negotiations, is expected to reach a critical turning point this weekend.

President Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social, "Iran just announced that the Strait of Iran is now fully open and ready for complete passage," adding, "Thank you!" The "Strait of Iran" appears to refer to the Strait of Hormuz.

Additionally, in a separate Truth Social post, President Trump said, "Iran, with the help of the United States, has removed or is removing all sea mines. Thank you."

On the morning of April 18, 2026, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declared on his X (formerly Twitter) account, "Reflecting the cease-fire situation in Lebanon, we will fully allow the passage of all merchant vessels through the Strait of Hormuz during the remaining cease-fire period." Iran's announcement of the complete reopening of the Strait of Hormuz came amid a ten-day cease-fire that began the previous day between Israel and Lebanon.

Nevertheless, President Trump posted another message on Truth Social stating that the U.S. military would not immediately lift the maritime blockade against Iran.

President Trump said, "The Strait of Hormuz is fully open and ready for business and complete passage, but until our dealings with Iran are 100% finalized, the naval blockade will remain fully in effect for Iran alone."

He added, "Most issues (with Iran) have already been negotiated, so this process (of negotiating with Iran) will proceed very quickly," expressing confidence in an early U.S.-Iran agreement.

In another Truth Social post, President Trump stated, "The United States will secure all nuclear 'dust' created by our great B2 bombers," and emphasized, "There will be no monetary transaction in any way, shape, or form."

This is interpreted to mean that, following the U.S. bombing of three Iranian nuclear facilities with B2 bombers in June of last year, the roughly 450 kilograms of 60% highly enriched uranium believed to be buried deep in the debris will be transported to the United States without any monetary compensation to Iran.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.