‘Thank you, Iran’: Trump expresses gratitude to the Persian nation as Tehran opens Hormuz; details inside
April 17, 2026
'Thank you, Iran': Trump expresses gratitude to the Persian nation as Tehran opens Hormuz; details inside
In an unexpected development, former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed gratitude towards Iran after Tehran announced the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping. The move by Iran comes as a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah appears to be holding. The vital waterway, through which approximately 20% of the world's oil passes, had been under restricted access, causing significant disruptions to global trade and energy markets. In a social media post, Trump stated, "THANK YOU!" and noted that the strait was now "FULLY OPEN AND READY FOR FULL PASSAGE.”
The reopening of the Strait follows a period of heightened tensions and a de facto closure that began on February 28, 2026, which severely impacted global oil supplies and sent prices soaring. The restrictions were part of a broader conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. In response to Iran's restrictions, the U.S. had imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports. The recent announcement by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declared the passage for all commercial vessels "completely open" for the duration of the ceasefire in Lebanon, with designated safe routes marked to ensure security.
The news of the reopening was met with immediate and dramatic effects on global markets. Oil prices plummeted by more than 10%, with Brent crude, the international benchmark, dropping to around $89 a barrel. This was a significant decrease from the highs of nearly $120 a barrel seen during the peak of the crisis. Consequently, stock markets surged worldwide, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average climbing over 1,000 points as fears of a broader economic crisis receded. Companies heavily reliant on fuel, such as airlines and cruise lines, saw their stock values jump significantly.
Trump's positive reaction to Iran's announcement was particularly noteworthy, given his administration's historically hardline stance against Tehran. However, minutes after his initial celebratory post, he clarified that the U.S. naval blockade on Iranian ships and ports would "remain in full force" until a comprehensive deal is reached with Tehran. This subsequent statement suggests a strategy of maintaining pressure on Iran while acknowledging a step towards de-escalation. Mediators are reportedly pushing for compromises on key issues including Iran's nuclear program and the status of the Strait of Hormuz.
The international community has reacted with cautious optimism. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the reopening as a "step in the right direction" that could build confidence between the parties. However, the temporary nature of the opening, tied to the fragile ceasefire in Lebanon, leaves the long-term stability of the situation uncertain. While commercial vessels have begun to move through the Gulf towards the strait, some shipping companies remain hesitant, monitoring the situation closely before resuming normal operations. The coming days will be critical in determining whether this de-escalation marks a genuine turning point towards a lasting resolution or merely a temporary pause in a protracted conflict.
Source: india