President Donald Trump said Friday the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports “will remain in full force” until a peace deal with Iran is 100% complete, despite Iran's announcement reopening the Strait of Hormuz to commercial traffic.
Trump made the comments after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declared the strait “completely open” for commercial vessels for the remainder of the ceasefire. The U.S. naval blockade began April 13 following the failure of earlier Islamabad talks.
Iran has threatened to “take the necessary measures” if the U.S. does not lift the blockade. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said the opening and “transit of commercial vessels with coordination from Iran” was a key part of the temporary agreement reached last week.
A second round of U.S.-Iran talks is expected this weekend. Pakistan continues to mediate. The current ceasefire expires April 22. Trump voiced optimism earlier this week the war will end soon.