US President Donald Trump declared the Strait of Hormuz “will open with or without Iran,” issuing a stark warning to Tehran as Vice President JD Vance leads ceasefire negotiations in Pakistan’s capital.
Trump, speaking to reporters Friday, emphasized Iran’s military defeat—claiming its Navy, Air Force, anti-aircraft systems, and leaders decimated—insisting the vital oil chokepoint will reopen “fairly soon” automatically or by force. The two-week truce, holding amid mutual accusations, hinges on unrestricted shipping through the strait, which Iran partially blocked earlier in the conflict.
Talks in Islamabad
Vance heads a high-profile US team including special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner; Pakistan mediates despite its ties to both sides. Agenda covers Hormuz access, Israeli-Lebanon demands, and Iran’s nuclear sites; Trump wished negotiators “luck” while hinting at backup plans.
Economic Stakes
The strait handles 20% of global oil; prior closure spiked prices above $100/barrel. Trump floated tolls on passage as “winner’s” rights and seeks coalition warships from allies like UK, France, Japan for enforcement.
