Key Points
- Araghchi confirms full commercial passage during the ceasefire period.
- US naval blockade against Iran to remain in force.
- Strait handles one-fifth of global oil shipments.
- Recent tensions disrupted maritime traffic and global supply chains.
- Hundreds of vessels delayed or rerouted amid escalation fears.
- Trump signals negotiations with Iran nearing completion.
ISLAMABAD: US President Donald Trump on Friday welcomed Iran’s decision to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, shortly after Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi formally confirmed the move as part of an ongoing ceasefire arrangement.
Taking to his Truth Social account, Trump wrote in a brief post: “IRAN HAS JUST ANNOUNCED THAT THE STRAIT OF IRAN IS FULLY OPEN AND READY FOR FULL PASSAGE. THANK YOU!” He later elaborated that the Strait of Hormuz was “completely open and ready for business and full passage,” reinforcing his earlier remarks.
“IRAN HAS JUST ANNOUNCED THAT THE STRAIT OF IRAN IS FULLY OPEN AND READY FOR FULL PASSAGE. THANK YOU!” – President Donald J. Trump 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/xDQpCj8APe
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 17, 2026
The remark came after Tehran declared that commercial shipping would be allowed through the strategic waterway during the remaining period of the ceasefire.
Iran’s top diplomat had earlier stated that the decision was aligned with the ceasefire framework linked to regional developments, particularly in Lebanon.
Seyed Abbas Araghchi said the passage for all commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz was now “completely open” for the duration of the ceasefire, with ships required to follow routes coordinated by Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organisation.
In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of ceasefire, on the coordinated route as already announced by Ports and Maritime Organisation of the Islamic Rep. of Iran.
— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) April 17, 2026
However, Trump also indicated that US naval measures would remain in place, stating that the naval blockade would continue “in full force and effect” as it pertains only to Iran.
President Donald Trump also expressed his appreciation to Pakistan, praising its leadership and thanking the country’s Prime Minister and Field Marshal, describing them as “two outstanding leaders” for their role and cooperation.
“Thank you to Pakistan and its Great Prime Minister and Field Marshall, two fantastic people!!!” he added.
President Donald Trump also said he had rejected an offer from NATO to help secure the Strait of Hormuz after Iran said it had reopened, telling the US-led alliance to “STAY AWAY.”
“Now that the Hormuz Strait situation is over, I received a call from NATO asking if we would need some help. I TOLD THEM TO STAY AWAY, UNLESS THEY JUST WANT TO LOAD UP THEIR SHIPS WITH OIL,” Trump said on his Truth Social network.
“They were useless when needed, a Paper Tiger!”
President Donald Trump expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, praising their “great bravery and assistance.”
“Thank you to Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar for your great bravery and help!” he said.
President Donald Trump said that Iran has agreed to ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains open and will not use it as a tool of geopolitical pressure in the future, describing the development as a significant step toward protecting global maritime security and stability.
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow but crucial maritime corridor, handles a significant share of global oil and cargo shipments. Roughly one-fifth of the world’s traded oil passes through the strait, making any disruption a major concern for global energy markets and supply chains.
In recent weeks, heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran had led to severe disruptions in maritime traffic, with security concerns, blockades, and restrictions affecting vessel movement.
Hundreds of ships had reportedly delayed or rerouted journeys due to fears of escalation, contributing to volatility in global oil prices.
The US president further suggested that ongoing negotiations with Iran were nearing completion, noting that the process could move quickly as “most of the points are already negotiated.”
Trump’s statement signals Washington’s approval of the reopening, which analysts view as a key confidence-building measure amid fragile diplomacy. The development also comes as indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran continue, with mediators working to extend the ceasefire into a more durable agreement.
