Trump Claims Iran Seeks Hormuz Reopening as Shipping Disruption Deepens

Donald Trump has asserted that Iran is privately seeking the reopening of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, despite publicly signalling otherwise, arguing that Tehran stands to lose substantial daily revenue if the route remains closed.

His remarks come amid continued disruption to maritime traffic through the waterway and lingering uncertainty over the future of diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran.

Posting on Truth Social, Trump suggested that Iran’s public stance was driven more by political optics than economic reality.

“Iran doesn’t want the Strait of Hormuz closed, they want it open so they can make $500 million a day,” he wrote, adding that the country’s statements were aimed at “saving face” in light of what he described as a US-imposed blockade.

Trump further claimed that intermediaries had approached him with messages indicating Tehran’s willingness to resume maritime transit through the key oil corridor. However, he warned that reopening the strait without broader concessions could undermine the prospects of a comprehensive agreement, reiterating his hardline stance on negotiations.

Shipping Through Hormuz Remains Severely Curtailed

Commercial activity through the Strait of Hormuz continues to operate at a fraction of normal levels. Data cited by Reuters indicates that only three vessels transited the waterway within a recent 24-hour period, compared with approximately 140 daily crossings prior to the escalation that began on February 28.

Among the vessels recorded were the Ean Spir products tanker, the Lian Star cargo ship, and the Meda liquefied petroleum gas carrier, according to ship-tracking platform MarineTraffic and satellite analysis from SynMax.

The sharp decline underscores the scale of disruption affecting one of the world’s most critical energy corridors. The downturn in traffic is attributed to a combination of a US naval blockade targeting Iranian ports and countermeasures enacted by Tehran.

Shipbroker BRS noted that even vessels technically eligible for transit face significant operational risks due to overlapping restrictions imposed by both sides. The firm estimates that dozens of tankers remain stranded within the Gulf, many carrying substantial crude oil cargoes.

Seafarers Stranded as Security Risks Persist

The disruption has also left a significant humanitarian dimension. Reports indicate that hundreds of vessels and an estimated 20,000 seafarers remain stranded in the Gulf amid ongoing security concerns.

Arsenio Dominguez emphasised that safety remains the overriding concern, particularly following incidents in which vessels were targeted shortly after Iran briefly announced a reopening of the strait.

“We cannot put at risk the lives of the seafarers,” he said, highlighting the volatility faced by ships attempting passage amid conflicting signals and renewed closure announcements.

Ceasefire Extended Amid Diplomatic Uncertainty

In a late development, Trump announced an extension of the ceasefire with Iran to allow diplomatic efforts to continue. However, the move appeared unilateral, with no immediate confirmation from Iran or Israel regarding their participation in the truce.

Iranian-linked commentary cast doubt on Washington’s intentions, suggesting the extension could be aimed at maintaining strategic leverage while sustaining military pressure through the ongoing naval blockade.

A second round of talks is expected to take place in Islamabad, though timelines and participation remain uncertain.

The Strait of Hormuz continues to occupy a central role in negotiations, given its strategic importance as a conduit for global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies. Its continued disruption carries significant implications for international energy markets, maritime security, and broader geopolitical stability.