Live Update 
From the Liveblog of
Friday, April 17, 2026
From the Liveblog of
Friday, April 17, 2026
Trump: US to maintain blockade of Iran ships until agreement with Tehran reached
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleJacob Magid is The Times of Israel's US bureau chief
US President Donald Trump says the US naval blockade on Iran-linked ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz will remain in effect, despite Iran’s announcement that it is opening the channel.
“The Strait of Hormuz is completely open and ready for business and full passage, 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 writes in another ALL-CAPS Truth Social post.
“This process should go very quickly, in that most of the points are already negotiated,” Trump says, referring to a brewing deal with Tehran to permanently end the war.
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
The Times of Israel Community.
JOIN THE TOI COMMUNITY
Already a member? Log in here