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Donald Trump has once again flooded the media with statements in just a few hours, announcing a future agreement with Iran. What should we make of his comments, particularly on the Strait of Hormuz? Traffic has resumed there, but under certain conditions on Friday, April 17.
The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the halt of the Iranian nuclear program: two major announcements within a few hours on Friday, April 17 in the afternoon. Is this a turning point in the conflict or just empty promises? At 2:45 PM, after almost three weeks of near total paralysis, the Strait of Hormuz reopens. A surprise announcement from the Iranian Foreign Minister: “The passage of all commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz is declared fully open for the remainder of the ceasefire,” declares Abbas Araghchi.
Oil immediately drops by 10%. Just 20 minutes later, at 3:06 PM, Donald Trump reacts. “Iran has just announced that the Strait of Hormuz is fully open and resuming navigation. Thank you,” praises the President of the United States on social media. He posts ten messages in just an hour and a half and announces joint demining of the area with the Iranians, but maintains pressure.
The American blockade continues. All ships entering or leaving Iranian ports are intercepted by American boats, always present at the exit of the strait. In the early afternoon, the US Navy releases images showing a resumption of traffic under certain conditions. That’s why at 4 PM, from the Elysée Palace, following a summit with around forty countries, Emmanuel Macron cautiously welcomes the reopening of the strait. “We all demand the immediate, unconditional full reopening by all parties of the Strait of Hormuz,” demands the French President.
Will the blocked ships dare to cross? Could Iran reintroduce tolls? Many uncertainties remain. However, at 5:49 PM, Donald Trump appears more confident than ever. The US President claims that Iran has agreed to abandon its nuclear program, then states: “I think we will have an agreement within a day or two.” Tehran has not yet confirmed these latest statements.
