“Naval blockade will remain in full force and effect,” says Donald Trump despite reopening of Strait of Hormuz

U.S. President Donald Trump has said a naval blockade around the Strait of Hormuz will remain in place, despite Iran’s announcement that the key shipping route has reopened.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated that the restriction would continue to target Iran until ongoing negotiations are concluded.

“The Strait of Hormuz is completely open and ready for business and full passage,” he wrote. “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.”

He added that discussions are near completion and could be concluded quickly.

The U.S. Navy enforced the blockade earlier in the week, turning back at least 19 vessels attempting to transit the strait. No ship has yet crossed the cordon.

Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, had earlier declared the waterway open, a development that contributed to a drop in global oil prices. Crude, which had climbed to $111 per barrel amid the tensions, fell to $89 on Friday.

Despite the decline, shipping and energy firms remain cautious about resuming operations through the strait due to continued military presence and uncertainty around enforcement.