WANA (Apr 17) – Amid ongoing tensions between Tehran and Washington, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a series of consecutive statements welcoming the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, while emphasizing that pressure on Iran would continue until a comprehensive agreement is fully finalized.

 

In a post on Friday, Trump said Iran had “just announced” that the Strait of Hormuz is fully open for commercial shipping and unrestricted transit, expressing his appreciation for the move. His remarks came after Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, announced that maritime traffic through the strategic waterway would be open following a temporary ceasefire.

 

However, in a separate message, Trump made clear that although the strait is open for business, a “naval blockade” against Iran would remain in place with full force until a deal between the two sides is “100% complete.” He added that most elements of the agreement had already been negotiated and that the finalization process could move forward quickly.

 

Addressing Iran’s nuclear program, Trump also stated that the United States intends to recover all enriched uranium from Iran and transfer it to U.S. territory, in coordination with Tehran. In a phone interview with Reuters, he described the process as “slow and coordinated,” stressing that no financial transactions would be involved under the arrangement.

 

He further referred to what he called “nuclear dust” left behind after previous strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, claiming that these materials would also be collected “very soon.” The remarks appear to reference earlier claims by Washington and Israel regarding attacks on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure last year.

 

Trump also rejected any connection between a potential agreement with Iran and developments in Lebanon, while noting that the United States would separately engage with Lebanon and address the situation involving Hezbollah “appropriately.” He additionally claimed that Washington had prevented Israel from continuing its bombing campaign in Lebanon.

 

On maritime security, Trump asserted that Iran, with U.S. assistance, is in the process of clearing naval mines from the region—an assertion that has not been independently confirmed by official sources.

 

In another part of his remarks, Trump sharply criticized NATO, describing the alliance as “useless” and a “paper tiger” during the recent crisis. He said NATO had reached out offering assistance after tensions in the Strait of Hormuz eased, but he declined the offer.

 

These developments come as a two-week ceasefire between Iran, the United States, and Israel—initiated on April 8—aims to create space for diplomatic efforts to end the conflict. Meanwhile, indirect talks between Tehran and Washington, recently held in Islamabad, concluded without a breakthrough, though both sides have signaled that negotiations will continue.

 

Overall, Trump’s statements present a dual-track picture: on one hand, an easing of tensions reflected in the reopening of a critical global trade route, and on the other, the continuation of maximum pressure on Iran pending a deal whose full details remain unclear.