Iran’s foreign minister announced Friday that passage for all commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz is completely open following a ceasefire agreement reached in Lebanon yesterday, but President Donald Trump said the U.S. naval blockade on Iran will remain in place until a deal with Tehran is struck.
“The Strait of Hormuz is completely open and ready for business and full passage,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “But the naval blockade will remain in full force and effect as it pertains to Iran, only, until such time as our transaction with Iran is 100% complete.”
Trump said he expects the process to go “very quickly,” adding that most of the points have already been negotiated. He later said Iran with the help of the U.S., has removed or is in the process of removing all sea mines it had placed in the strait.
Why does Trump suddenly think he’s playing Uno?
You’re being generous if you think Trump can count that high.
I mean, the inputs into his decisions are simple, but also such a jumbled mess that it’s hard to be sure. But my hopeful guess is that he is finally looking for an overdue exit strategy, and his goal now is to agree to as many of Iran’s terms of ceasefire while obscuring the defeat as best as possible.
I’m hopeful this is a blustery move to look tough as the US forces capitulate and leave.