Trump thanks Iran for opening Strait of Hormuz as oil prices in freefall (PHOTOS/VIDEOS)
April 17, 2026
Iran has declared the Strait of Hormuz “completely open” for all commercial ships Read Full Article at RT.com
In a significant de-escalation of soaring global tensions, Iran announced on Friday it was reopening the vital Strait of Hormuz to all commercial shipping, prompting a public expression of gratitude from President Donald Trump and sending oil prices tumbling. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the crucial waterway is "declared completely open" for passage. The news provided immediate relief to energy markets, with the price of Brent crude oil, the global benchmark, falling sharply after having reached highs of over $118 per barrel in March. President Trump hailed the development on social media, declaring it a "GREAT AND BRILLIANT DAY FOR THE WORLD!"
The reopening marks a pivotal moment in a crisis that began around February 28, when a conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran led to Tehran effectively closing the strait, through which a fifth of the world's oil supply passes. Iran's control of the choke point caused a spike in global energy prices and prompted the U.S. to impose a naval blockade on Iranian ports and vessels earlier this week. The standoff created significant economic uncertainty and fears of a wider military confrontation, with more than 150 ships reported to be waiting outside the strait, unable to pass.
According to the announcement from Tehran, the reopening of the waterway is linked to a separate, U.S.-brokered 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Iranian officials stipulated that vessels must use a designated "coordinated route" and that the passage is guaranteed for the remaining period of the current truce, which is set to expire early next week. This cautious and conditional announcement from Iran contrasts with President Trump's more triumphant statements, in which he claimed that Tehran has agreed "never to close the Strait of Hormuz again" and is in the process of removing sea mines with American assistance.
Despite his thanks to Iran, President Trump clarified that the U.S. naval blockade on Iran itself "will remain in full force and effect" until a comprehensive deal between the two nations is finalized. This highlights the complex diplomatic landscape, where public declarations differ between Washington and Tehran. While Trump has voiced optimism about an imminent, broader agreement that he claims includes major concessions on Iran's nuclear program, Iranian officials have been publicly dismissive of such breakthroughs. Direct talks between U.S. and Iranian officials, mediated by Pakistan, are expected to resume this weekend.
The future of the fragile calm in the Gulf now hinges on the outcome of these high-stakes negotiations and the durability of the temporary ceasefires. While the reopening of the strait has been welcomed by world leaders, including UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and European heads of state, the situation remains precarious. The U.S. maintaining its blockade on Iranian shipping even as other commercial traffic resumes introduces a complex variable. For now, the global economy has been granted a reprieve from a worsening energy crisis, but all eyes remain on the diplomatic efforts to turn a temporary truce into a lasting resolution.
Source: rt