Donald Trump said on Friday that the Strait of Hormuz would reopen “soon,” with or without Iran’s cooperation, as disruptions continue to impact global energy markets. Speaking to reporters ahead of planned U.S.–Iran talks in Islamabad, Trump said Washington is prepared to act, adding that some countries are willing to assist, though the effort would not be easy. He rejected Iran’s proposal to impose transit fees on vessels using the strait, saying the U.S. would not allow such a plan to be implemented. Iranian officials have previously indicated fees could be introduced even if a deal is reached. Trump also stressed that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons would be a top priority in any agreement, adding that the strait would “automatically” reopen under such conditions. Despite a two-week ceasefire, shipping traffic through the strait remains severely restricted, disrupting roughly one-fifth of global oil and gas flows. Data shows only 22 vessels have passed through since the ceasefire, compared to around 135 daily before the conflict. More than 600 ships, including 325 oil tankers, are reportedly stranded in the Persian Gulf due to the ongoing restrictions. Talks aimed at reaching a permanent settlement are expected on Saturday, led by JD Vance and Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, though differences remain over key proposals.
