The world’s most critical oil chokepoint is back open — but Washington is keeping the screws on Tehran.
President Trump and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi both announced Friday that the Strait of Hormuz is now open for commercial shipping, easing fears of a global energy shock after days of war-driven turmoil.
“In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open,” Araghchi wrote on X.
Trump quickly claimed the bigger win.
“Iran has agreed to never close the Strait of Hormuz again,” the president posted on TRUTH Social. “It will no longer be used as a weapon against the World!”
He added that Iran, “with the help of the U.S.A.,” had removed or was removing sea mines placed during the conflict.
That means tankers can move again through the narrow waterway linking the Persian Gulf to global markets — a route long seen as one of the world’s most strategically sensitive maritime corridors.
But while ships may sail, sanctions pressure remains.
The U.S. blockade on Iranian ports is staying in place, preserving American leverage as the White House pushes Tehran toward formal negotiations over ending the broader conflict and reaching what Trump has described as a fair settlement.
Iran had previously floated toll-like controls and pre-approved routes policed through channels tied to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Friday’s announcement did not mention any new toll structure, though Iran said vessels would move along coordinated routes already announced by its maritime authorities.
Those designated lanes may also reflect ongoing mine-clearing and security concerns after wartime disruptions.
The current U.S.-Iran ceasefire is set to expire Tuesday, with mediator Pakistan reportedly trying to organize a second round of talks in Islamabad. No formal commitment has yet been announced.
If talks happen, Friday’s reopening could be remembered as the first real off-ramp.
If not, it may be just a pause between storms.
🚨 UPDATE: President Trump says the U.S. Navy blockade of Iranian ships will CONTINUE until the the deal with Iran is 100% FINALIZED
“THIS PROCESS SHOULD GO VERY QUICKLY IN THAT MOST OF THE POINTS ARE ALREADY NEGOTIATED.”
Otherwise — “THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ IS COMPLETELY OPEN AND… https://t.co/GBJhxkQwfP pic.twitter.com/lWLfFVsNJT
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) April 17, 2026
