Trump Signals Strait of Hormuz Reopening, Vows Continued Pressure on Iran Until Final Deal

Washington, April 2026 : US President Donald Trump on Friday announced that Iran has agreed to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, while asserting that American military pressure on Tehran would remain in place until a comprehensive agreement is finalised.

Speaking at a gathering organised by Turning Point USA in Arizona, Trump described the reopening as a major development for global trade and energy markets. “The Strait of Hormuz is fully open and ready for business and full passage,” he said, signalling a possible easing of tensions in one of the world’s most critical maritime corridors.

Despite the reopening, Trump made it clear that the United States would not scale back its military posture. He stated that the ongoing naval blockade targeting Iran would continue until negotiations are fully concluded. “The naval blockade will remain in full force and effect… until our transaction with Iran is 100 per cent complete and fully signed,” he said, underlining Washington’s strategy of combining diplomacy with sustained pressure.

Expressing optimism about the negotiations, Trump indicated that talks with Iran were progressing steadily. “This process is getting along well… most of the points are already negotiated and agreed to,” he said, adding that the final agreement would ensure that Iran “will never have a nuclear weapon.”

In a striking remark, Trump also referred to plans to recover what he called “nuclear dust,” suggesting efforts to retrieve residue from earlier US strikes inside Iran. He indicated that such operations could involve excavation and repatriation to the United States, though he did not provide further details.

The President linked these developments to a broader diplomatic push across the Middle East, claiming that recent US engagement had helped stabilise regional tensions. He pointed to what he described as an “unprecedented ceasefire” between Israel and Lebanon, presenting it as a significant breakthrough in a long-standing conflict.

Trump also acknowledged the role of several countries in supporting regional diplomacy, including Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Kuwait, thanking them for their contributions to ongoing efforts.

At the same time, he took a sharp swipe at NATO, criticising traditional US allies in Europe and arguing for greater self-reliance in foreign policy and defence. “We have to rely on ourselves,” he said, while highlighting what he described as the unmatched strength of the US military.

Positioning himself as a global dealmaker, Trump claimed credit for resolving multiple international conflicts. “I ended eight wars,” he said, adding that successful outcomes in Iran and Lebanon could raise that number further.

The remarks reflect Washington’s dual-track approach of diplomacy backed by military leverage, as it seeks to reshape regional dynamics while safeguarding global energy routes.