In a statement, Trump demanded that Iran immediately restore safe passage through the vital waterway, calling the delay a violation of international norms.
Washington – April 12, 2026:
President Donald Trump sharply criticised Iran on Truth Social on Sunday, accusing Tehran of failing to honour its commitment to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz despite the recent temporary ceasefire.
In the post, Trump stated:
“Iran promised to open the Strait of Hormuz, and they knowingly failed to do so. This caused anxiety, dislocation, and pain to many people and countries throughout the world.”
He highlighted the continued reluctance of international shipping to use the vital waterway, referring to Iran’s claims of having placed mines in the area:
“They say they put mines in the water, even though all of their Navy, and most of their ‘mine droppers,’ have been completely blown up. They may have done so, but what ship owner would want to take the chance?”
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Trump described Iran’s actions as causing “great dishonor and permanent harm to the reputation of Iran, and what’s left of their ‘leaders,’” but added that the United States has moved beyond such considerations.
He issued a firm demand:
“As they promised, they better begin the process of getting this INTERNATIONAL WATERWAY OPEN AND FAST! Every law in the book is being violated by them.”
The President concluded with two emphatic statements in all caps:
“IRAN IS UNWILLING TO GIVE UP ITS NUCLEAR AMBITIONS!”
“IRAN WILL NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON!”
. As part of the temporary ceasefire announced around April 7–8, Iran was expected to allow unrestricted and safe passage. However, shipping activity has remained limited due to persistent fears over mines and potential attacks, even as US naval forces have begun preparing for mine-clearance operations in the area.
The US military has also conducted recent destroyer transits through the strait to test routes and set the stage for clearance efforts, while maintaining that Iran’s naval capabilities, including mine-laying vessels, were significantly degraded in earlier strikes.
Trump:
Iran promised to open the Strait of Hormuz, and they knowingly failed to do so. This caused anxiety, dislocation, and pain to many people and Countries throughout the World.
They say they put mines in the water, even though all of their Navy, and most of their “mine… pic.twitter.com/ZV4H57YpCn
— Clash Report (@clashreport) April 12, 2026
Ongoing Tensions
Trump’s latest remarks come just a day after high-level peace talks between US and Iranian delegations in Islamabad collapsed without a comprehensive agreement. The negotiations, among the most significant direct engagements in decades, focused heavily on reopening the strait, Iran’s nuclear programme, and long-term security arrangements.
The fragile two-week ceasefire remains in place for now, but the lack of progress on the Strait of Hormuz has heightened concerns about a potential return to hostilities.
Trump and Vice President JD Vance have repeatedly described the US position as final, warning of serious consequences if Iran fails to comply with commitments related to both the waterway and its nuclear ambitions.
No immediate military response has been announced following the statement. However, the President’s remarks underline Washington’s continued insistence that Iran must not develop nuclear weapons and must restore safe international navigation through the strait without delay.
Global energy markets and shipping companies continue to closely monitor the situation, as any prolonged disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could trigger higher oil prices and widespread supply chain disruptions worldwide.
