politics
April 16, 2026
Trump claims Strait of Hormuz “open” while blocking Iranian trade
US President Donald Trump has claimed Hormuz is “open” as the US enforces a blockade on Iranian trade, amid ongoing mediation efforts and Tehran’s pushback
TL;DR
- US President Trump claims the Strait of Hormuz is "permanently open" and that China will not send weapons to Iran.
- The US military states it has "fully implemented" a blockade of Iranian ports, affecting vessels entering or exiting.
- Iran warns it could target marine traffic in response to the blockade and insists it will not bow to pressure.
- Oil prices have increased due to concerns over Hormuz disruptions, which carry about 20% of global oil and LNG shipments.
- Diplomatic efforts are reportedly intensifying, with potential for a second round of US-Iran talks in Pakistan.
- Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov warns against escalation and suggests Russia can offset supply shocks for China.
- Traffic through Hormuz remains below normal levels, though a small number of tankers are moving.
- Iran plans to draft new rules for ships from sanctioning countries to pay tolls for passage.
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