Trump Vows to Keep Iran Port Blockade Despite Strait Reopening

President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that the Strait of Hormuz is 'completely open and ready for business' following Iran's foreign minister's confirmation that the waterway would reopen to commercial ships during a two-week ceasefire.[1][3][7] The strait, closed for over a month and a half due to the U.S.-Iran war, handles about 21 million barrels of oil daily, or roughly 20% of global seaborne trade.[6] Trump credited the development to his pressure, including a Tuesday deadline threatening strikes on Iran's power plants, bridges, and desalination facilities if the strait remained shut.[1] Despite the apparent breakthrough, Trump stated the U.S. military blockade on Iranian ports in the strait 'will remain in full force' until a comprehensive peace agreement is '100% complete and fully signed.'[2][3] This position came hours after Iran's announcement, which included a caveat allowing potential re-closure if U.S. blockades continue.[4][5] The ceasefire, mediated by Pakistan, stems from Iran's 10-point peace proposal that Trump called a 'workable basis' but 'not good enough' without full strait access.[1] Iran's military swiftly responded, stating it would close the strait again over the ongoing U.S. blockade, per state media reports.[4] Trump's posts also claimed Iran agreed 'to never close the Strait of Hormuz again,' a pledge contradicted by Tehran's warnings.[3][5] The conflicting signals follow related ceasefires between Israel and Lebanon, which Trump linked to the Hormuz opening.[3] Negotiations are set to resume this weekend, with Trump telling reporters Iran has agreed to 'everything' needed to end the war.[5] The strait was initially blockaded amid escalating hostilities, disrupting shipping and spiking oil prices globally. U.S. Navy vessels have enforced the port blockade since early 2026, separate from the strait's commercial passage.[2] Analysts highlight the high stakes: a re-closure could send oil prices above $150 per barrel, per pre-war estimates, hammering economies worldwide. Trump's strategy echoes his pre-deadline ultimatums, which prompted Iran's proposal after he deemed it a 'very significant step.'[1] As talks intensify, the fragile truce hangs on resolving the blockade dispute.