Trump says Strait of Hormuz 'will be open soon,' ships rushing to US as Iran ceasefire holds

US President Donald Trump on Saturday said the Strait of Hormuz would open "soon" and claimed the United States had "completely destroyed" Iran's military, even as the strategic waterway remains largely blocked and a fragile ceasefire entered its fourth day.

The United States and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire on the evening of April 7, after nearly six weeks of fighting that disrupted global energy markets and spread across a large portion of the Middle East.


In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, 'The Fake News Media is CRAZY, or just plain CORRUPT! The United States has completely destroyed Iran’s Military, including their entire Navy and Air Force, and everything else. Their Leadership is DEAD! The Strait of Hormuz will soon be open, and the empty ships are rushing to the United States to “load up.” But, if you listen to the Fake News, we’re losing!'


Also Read: West Asia War: US-Iran direct talks begin in Pakistan as war's fragile ceasefire holds

Earlier, in a Pentagon press conference, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said Operation Epic Fury had resulted in a "historic and overwhelming victory" in Iran, having decimated its military and rendered the country "combat ineffective for years to come." However, he added that US military forces remain "prepared to defend, prepared to go on offensive, and prepared to restart at a moment's notice" to ensure Iran's compliance with the ceasefire.

After more than five weeks of fighting, however, Iran's military and government survived the onslaught, are still functioning, and are now making their own demands in negotiations that lie ahead.

The Strait of Hormuz has been largely blocked since February 28, 2026, when the United States and Israel launched an air campaign against Iran and killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. In retaliation, Iran launched missile and drone attacks on Israel, US military bases, and US-allied Gulf states.

Despite suggestions that the US would seize control of the strait, the ceasefire agreement leaves Tehran in control of the strategic waterway. Iran has allowed some tankers to pass, charged tolls of up to $2 million on others, and refused permission to the vast majority.

Also Read: Buffets, baristas, but no briefings: Journalists frozen out of Iran talks in Islamabad

Negotiations for a more permanent agreement are ongoing in Islamabad, Pakistan, with top officials including US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi are currently in a face-to-face trilateral talk between, Iran, US and Pakistan.