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Strait of Hormuz

President Trump announces end of Strait of Hormuz blockade

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President Trump

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump announced that the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has been lifted, while insisting that Iran must agree never to possess nuclear weapons or an atomic bomb.

In a post on the social media platform Truth Social, Trump said the Strait of Hormuz should be fully reopened immediately and remain free of tolls or restrictions to ensure uninterrupted maritime traffic.

The US president stated that any naval mines present in the sea would be eliminated, claiming that American forces had already destroyed several mines using advanced minesweeper technology, while Iran would remove or destroy the remaining explosives.

Trump added that ships delayed due to the blockade could now resume passage through the strategic waterway.

Discussing Iran’s nuclear program, Trump claimed that Iranian nuclear material was buried deep beneath collapsed mountains following B-2 bomber strikes carried out 11 months ago.

He said the United States would extract the Iranian nuclear residue from underground and claimed that both the U.S. and China possess the technical capability to carry out the operation.

According to Trump, the process would be conducted in coordination with Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), after which the recovered nuclear material would be destroyed.

US plans new maritime alliance to restore shipping security in Strait of Hormuz

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US plans

WASHINGTON: The United States is reportedly planning to form a new international coalition aimed at restoring maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The proposed initiative, named the “Maritime Freedom Construct (MFC)”, was referenced in a diplomatic cable sent by the US State Department to American embassies on Tuesday.

The report says US diplomats have been instructed to encourage other countries to join the alliance, which would focus on information sharing, diplomatic coordination, and enforcement of sanctions.

The plan reportedly envisions joint coordination between the State Department and the US Central Command (CENTCOM), where diplomacy would be handled by the State Department, while CENTCOM would provide real-time maritime intelligence for commercial shipping and coordinate information sharing with partner forces.

A senior US official described the proposal as one of several diplomatic and policy options available to former President Donald Trump, as Washington seeks broader international involvement in managing current and future developments in the Strait of Hormuz.

The move comes amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region, where maritime security and freedom of navigation remain key strategic concerns for global energy and trade routes.

Iran restores tight control over Strait of Hormuz, blames US blockade

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Iran restores tight

Tehran: Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran has announced that control over the Strait of Hormuz has returned to its previous status following continued US restrictions on Iranian ports.

According to a report by Al Jazeera, the IRGC stated that no changes have been made to the Strait’s operational status, emphasizing that it is now fully under the strict control of Iran’s armed forces.

In an official statement, the IRGC criticized the United States, accusing it of engaging in “maritime piracy” under the guise of enforcing a blockade.

 The statement further asserted that the Strait of Hormuz remains under tight surveillance and control by Iranian forces.

An IRGC commander warned that stringent monitoring of the waterway will continue until the United States restores complete freedom of navigation for vessels in the region.

Iranian authorities also said that security and oversight of regional sea routes have been further intensified to prevent any illegal activities.

The move is being viewed as a reassertion of Iran’s influence over one of the world’s most critical global trade corridors.

Iran reopens Strait of Hormuz, Trump thanks Tehran as oil prices fall

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Iran reopens

TEHRAN: Iran has announced the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for commercial vessels following a ceasefire in Lebanon, allowing maritime trade to resume through one of the world’s most critical shipping routes.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a post on social media platform X that the strait has been fully reopened for all commercial shipping and will remain operational during the remaining period of the ceasefire.

He added that vessels will pass through designated maritime corridors managed by Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organization to ensure coordinated and regulated navigation.

According to the Iranian foreign minister, the move is aimed at easing regional tensions and supporting the restoration of global trade flows.

The Strait of Hormuz is a vital energy corridor through which a significant share of the world’s oil shipments passes, making it highly sensitive for global markets.

Following the announcement, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed gratitude to Iran, posting “Thank you Iran” on social media in response to the reopening of the strategic waterway.

Meanwhile, global oil prices declined sharply after the development. U.S. crude oil fell by around 8 percent to 86 dollars per barrel, while Brent crude dropped by 6 percent to 93 dollars per barrel as concerns over supply disruptions eased.

Market analysts say the reopening has reduced geopolitical risk premiums, leading to a broad decline in energy prices worldwide.

Trump praises Pakistan’s Leadership for mediation role after Strait of Hormuz reopening

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Trump praises

Trump praises Pakistan’s Leadership for mediation role after Strait of Hormuz reopening

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has lauded Pakistan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Field Marshal Asim Munir for their “excellent role” in mediation efforts following Iran’s decision to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

In a statement posted on his social media platform Truth Social, President Trump expressed gratitude, saying, “Thank you Pakistan, thank you to its Prime Minister and Field Marshal both great personalities.”

In a separate post, Trump also thanked Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar for their “great courage and support” in helping maintain regional stability.

The development comes after Iran announced the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz in the context of the Lebanon ceasefire.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on social media that all commercial shipping through the strategic waterway would remain fully open for the duration of the ceasefire.

The move is being seen as a key step toward easing regional tensions and restoring confidence in global trade and energy supply routes.

Oil prices surge after reports of Strait of Hormuz blockade

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Oil prices

Global oil markets witnessed a sharp rise following reports of a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy supplies.

The price of Brent crude jumped by $7, crossing $102 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rose by around $6.5 to reach $103 per barrel.

Shipping costs in the Gulf region also surged significantly, with insurance premiums for vessels increasing by as much as 1,000%.

Reports indicate that a tanker carrying oil worth $150 million would now require approximately $7.5 million in insurance premiums.

Meanwhile, global demand for alternative energy sources is rising. China has taken a lead in this sector, with exports from Chinese renewable energy companies increasing by 57%.

On the other hand, OPEC has expressed concerns that global oil demand could decline amid shifting energy trends.

US Central Command begins mine clearance operations in Strait of Hormuz

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US Central Command

Washington: The United States Central Command has launched operations to remove naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz, aiming to ensure the safety of a key global shipping route.

US Admiral Brad Cooper stated that the USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. and USS Michael Murphy have successfully transited the strait, with two missile-equipped destroyers deployed in the region.

He emphasized that the United States is committed to keeping the waterway secure and has accelerated measures to ensure that this vital corridor for global trade remains open and safe.

CENTCOM further said that details of the secured route will soon be shared with the maritime industry to facilitate safe navigation and restore confidence in shipping operations.

Trump issues ultimatum to Iran over Strait of Hormuz

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Trump issues

Washington: US President Donald Trump has once again issued a stark warning to Iran, stating that the country has just 48 hours to reach a deal or reopen the Strait of Hormuz, warning that failure to act could trigger catastrophic consequences.

Trump posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, recalling that he had previously given Iran 10 days to negotiate an agreement or open the Strait.

He added that the 10-day period is now ending, leaving only 48 hours, and reiterated that if no deal is reached, Iran would face severe repercussions.

UAE prepares to secure Strait of Hormuz with allies after Iran attacks

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UAE prepares

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is reportedly preparing, alongside the US and its allies, to secure the strategic Strait of Hormuz by force in response to recent Iranian attacks.

According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, the UAE is lobbying the United Nations Security Council for a resolution that would authorize such an operation.

Emirati diplomats are urging military powers from the US, Europe, and Asia to form a joint coalition capable of reopening the Strait through force if necessary.

A UAE official stated that the country has assessed its capabilities to ensure the strait’s security, including mine-clearing operations and other support services.

The UAE has also argued that the US should assert control over some islands in the strait, including Abu Musa Island, which has been under Iranian control for decades but is also claimed by the Emirates.

Arab officials indicate that Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states are taking a hard stance against Iran, seeking to continue the conflict until Iran is weakened or its government removed. Bahrain, a close US ally hosting the Fifth Fleet headquarters, is preparing the resolution for a vote expected on Thursday.

According to Gulf officials, the UAE’s assertive position signals a major strategic shift. Previously, Emirati diplomats were engaged in mediation efforts between the US and Iran, including a visit by former Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, Ali Larijani, to Abu Dhabi.

The UAE is now reportedly aligning closer with US President Donald Trump’s stance, which calls for allies to bear a greater share of military responsibility. Trump has told advisors he is willing to end the conflict without reopening the strait, leaving the matter largely to other nations.

Gulf officials believe that hesitant countries in Asia and Europe may join the operation if Security Council approval is granted. However, Russia and China could veto the resolution, while France has proposed an alternative draft. Even if the resolution fails, the UAE is prepared to participate in any effort to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump urges China, Japan to help secure Strait of Hormuz

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Trump urges China

US President Donald Trump has once again called on China, Japan and other countries to help ensure the reopening and security of the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing tensions with Iran.

Speaking at a press conference in Washington, D.C., Trump said US forces were rapidly dismantling Iran’s defense systems and had sunk boats allegedly involved in laying naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz. He noted that only about one percent of US oil shipments pass through the strait, while a much larger share of oil for countries like China and Japan travels through the strategic waterway.

Trump said around 90 percent of China’s oil imports and 95 percent of Japan’s oil imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz, along with about 35 percent of South Korea’s oil, urging these countries to send naval fleets to help secure the route.

The US president claimed that Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks had dropped by about 90 percent, adding that more than 100 Iranian naval vessels had been destroyed and the country’s naval forces severely weakened. He said over 7,000 commercial and military targets had been struck in Iran.

Trump also stated that US forces had destroyed 30 vessels allegedly used to deploy mines in the Strait of Hormuz, though he acknowledged it could not be confirmed with certainty whether Iran had actually laid mines there.

He further claimed that Iran’s naval and air defenses had been effectively neutralized, including the destruction of multiple military targets on Kharg Island. However, he added that Iranian oil facilities had not yet been targeted, though “all options remain open.”

Trump criticized some countries for not showing enough enthusiasm in assisting US efforts in the strait, saying the United States had protected many of them from external threats for decades.

The US president also said Iran had expressed interest in negotiations but that Washington was not ready for talks at the moment. He added that Iran’s nuclear program had suffered a “decisive blow” through an operation he referred to as “Operation Midnight Hammer.”

Trump also claimed that he had warned about Osama bin Laden before the September 11 attacks, suggesting the tragedy might have been prevented if his warnings had been heeded.