Donald Trump on Friday claimed that Iran has agreed to never again shut the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a major breakthrough amid ongoing tensions.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “Iran has agreed to never close the Strait of Hormuz again. It will no longer be used as a weapon against the world.” However, he added that the US naval blockade on Iranian ships and ports would remain in place until a comprehensive agreement is finalized.
“The US Navy’s blockade will continue until such time as our transaction with Iran is 100% complete,” Trump said in another post.
Earlier in the day, Iran confirmed it had fully reopened the vital oil transit route for commercial shipping. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi stated that the strait would remain “completely open” for the duration of the ceasefire. In a post on X, he said the move aligns with broader de-escalation efforts in the region.
Meanwhile, regional tensions remain high despite a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon that came into effect on Thursday. Israel’s defence minister said Hezbollah would be disarmed south of the Litani River either through political means or military action once the ceasefire ends.
Trump, speaking at an event in Las Vegas, described Iran as a “tough, smart country” but claimed its military capabilities had been significantly weakened. He asserted that a large portion of Iran’s naval fleet had been destroyed, though such claims remain unverified.
Expressing optimism about diplomacy, Trump said the conflict could end “pretty soon” and hinted that the next round of US-Iran talks may take place over the weekend. He noted that both sides are negotiating terms around Iran’s nuclear programme, a key sticking point in recent discussions.
According to reports, the US has proposed a 20-year pause on Iran’s nuclear ambitions, while Tehran has countered with a shorter five-year timeline. Talks held recently in Islamabad are seen as a step toward narrowing differences.
Trump also suggested he may visit Pakistan if a deal is finalized there, praising the country’s role in facilitating dialogue. “If the deal is signed in Islamabad, I might go,” he said.
The broader conflict, which began on February 28 following US-Israeli strikes on Iran, has led to significant casualties and triggered volatility in global oil markets. Developments around the Strait of Hormuz — a critical route for global energy supplies — remain closely watched.
On the ground in Lebanon, the ceasefire has shown signs of strain. The Lebanese Army accused Israel of violating the truce with intermittent shelling in southern villages, while the Israeli military said its continued deployment was in response to ongoing militant activity.
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