US naval blockade on Iran to stay despite Hormuz reopens: Trump

US President Donald Trump has said that Washington will maintain its naval blockade on Iran despite Tehran reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping.

In separate posts on his platform Truth Social on Friday (April 17), Trump stated that while the waterway is now “fully open for business and shipping,” US restrictions on Iran will remain in force until a comprehensive agreement is finalised.

“All dealings and agreements with Iran must be 100 per cent completed before any easing,” he wrote, adding that the majority of key terms have already been negotiated and expressing optimism that a final deal could be reached soon.

Earlier, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced the reopening of the Strait, citing respect for an ongoing ceasefire between Israel and the Iran-backed group Hezbollah in Lebanon.

According to Tehran, the 10-day ceasefire will allow safe passage for all commercial vessels through the crucial shipping corridor, which is a key artery for global energy supplies.