Despite US President Donald Trump’s assertion that he had lifted a naval blockade on Iran, Iranian ships are currently not allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, as reported by the semi-official Tasnim news agency. Iranian sailors have confirmed that the restrictions persist, with vessels receiving warnings from US Central Command against entering the area.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump mentioned the lifting of the US naval blockade. He also outlined conditions for a potential deal with Iran, emphasizing that Tehran must commit to never acquiring a nuclear weapon. Additionally, he stated that the Strait of Hormuz should be immediately open for unrestricted shipping in both directions, with the removal of any water mines, as per Xinhua news agency.
Trump further mentioned that the location of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles would be determined in collaboration with Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency, and subsequently eliminated. However, Iran has clarified that nuclear matters are not currently part of the ongoing talks.
The Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, Iran’s main military command, declared that the Iranian armed forces are effectively managing the Strait of Hormuz with full authority, as reported by the official news agency IRNA. The headquarters emphasized that all vessels, including commercial and oil tankers, must adhere to Iran’s designated routes and secure permission from the Navy of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) for passage through the waterway.
Meanwhile, the IRGC’s Navy disclosed that 20 vessels had crossed the strait in the past 24 hours in coordination with their forces and Iran’s maritime authorities, according to the semi-official Fars news agency. Officials from the IRGC’s Navy stated that these vessels were permitted to transit the strait due to their countries’ requirements for goods like chemical fertilizers.
Iran had imposed stricter control over the Strait of Hormuz on February 28, limiting vessel passage for those associated with Israel and the United States following joint strikes on Iranian territory. The United States has also upheld naval restrictions in the strait, regulating traffic to and from Iranian ports.
