Trump says US oil blockade will remain in effect until end of negotiations with Iran

The president's update on the blockade followed Iran's announcement that it would open the Strait of Hormuz for shipping during the ceasefire.

Published: April 17, 2026 10:27am

President Donald Trump announced Friday that the U.S. naval blockade of Iran's ports and coastline will remain in effect until negotiations with the Islamic Republic are "100% complete." 

The president's update on the blockade followed Iran's announcement minutes earlier that it would open the Strait of Hormuz, an international oil tanker route, for shipping along its predetermined route that hugs the Iranian coastline while the ceasefire remains active. 

"THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ IS COMPLETELY OPEN AND READY FOR BUSINESS AND FULL PASSAGE, 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," the president posted to Truth Social

"HIS PROCESS SHOULD GO VERY QUICKLY IN THAT MOST OF THE POINTS ARE ALREADY NEGOTIATED," he added.

It is not yet clear on which "points" the U.S. and Iran have agreed.

An earlier round of direct negotiations between the U.S. and Iran in Pakistan ended in stalemate after Iran refused to make concessions on its illicit nuclear program and demanded control over the Strait of Hormuz. 

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