The White House announced on April 8 that it is demanding Iran immediately and fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz to maritime traffic, with no restrictions or tolls imposed. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said this is a non-negotiable condition for beginning diplomatic talks scheduled for Saturday in Islamabad.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key channel through which about 20 percent of the world’s oil supply passes. The area has been at the center of conflict for over a month. According to U.S. officials, military pressure from “Operation Epic Fury” has forced Iran to reconsider its position and present what they described as more realistic proposals to avoid further destruction.
U.S. authorities claim that their main military objectives have already been achieved, including destroying Iran’s navy and air force and delaying its nuclear program by years. While Iranian media report continued closures, U.S. intelligence reportedly observed increased ship traffic in the strait today, which they interpret as a sign that Iran may be yielding under pressure.
A Trump administration delegation will travel to Pakistan for negotiations focused on priorities such as securing enriched uranium from Iran. In an unexpected statement, Leavitt confirmed that Donald Trump suggested the possibility of the United States collecting fees from ships passing through the strait as a form of security guarantee; however, she said restoring oil flow remains the top priority due to ongoing high crude prices.
The situation remains fragile amid reports of isolated bombings after a ceasefire and renewed air defenses within Iran. Diplomatic discussions are expected to last two weeks if oil tankers can move freely.
