WASHINGTON, April 10, 2026 — President Donald Trump told reporters that the United States will have the Strait of Hormuz “open fairly soon,” signaling renewed efforts to secure one of the world’s most critical maritime trade routes amid ongoing tensions with Iran.

Speaking before boarding Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews, Trump declared, “We’re going to open up the gulf with or without them… or the strait as they call it. I think it’s going to go pretty quickly, and if it doesn’t, we’ll be able to finish it off.”

The president emphasized that preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons remains his top priority, framing the reopening of the strait as part of broader negotiations. “We will have that open fairly soon,” Trump said, adding that the United States is prepared to act independently if necessary.

Trump acknowledged that the process would not be easy but suggested that other nations dependent on the strait for energy shipments were willing to assist. “Other countries use the strait. So we do have other countries coming up, and they’ll help out,” he noted, without naming specific allies.

The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, is considered the world’s most important oil transit chokepoint. Roughly one-fifth of global petroleum passes through the strait, making its closure a major concern for international markets and energy security.

Trump’s remarks come as a U.S. delegation led by Senator JD Vance prepares to travel to Pakistan for talks aimed at easing tensions between Washington and Tehran. The discussions are expected to focus on nuclear limitations and regional stability following a fragile ceasefire agreement.

The president also suggested that Iran’s regime had weakened significantly, pointing to economic sanctions and diplomatic isolation as factors that could pressure Tehran into cooperation. “Any negotiations would focus on preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons,” Trump reiterated.

Markets reacted cautiously to Trump’s comments, with oil prices showing modest volatility as traders weighed the potential reopening of the strait against the risks of military escalation. Analysts noted that while U.S. assurances may calm fears temporarily, the situation remains fluid and dependent on the outcome of upcoming talks.

The administration’s pledge to reopen the Strait of Hormuz underscores the strategic importance of the waterway and the high stakes involved in U.S.-Iran relations. For now, Trump’s vow that the strait will be “open fairly soon” sets the stage for a critical test of American diplomacy and military resolve in the Gulf.