Can ships cross Hormuz? US sends mixed signals

• Trump announces an initial peace deal with Iran to end fighting
• US Navy says the blockade of Iranian ports remains in effect
• A formal agreement is scheduled for signing on 19 June 2026

US President Donald Trump finally announced the Iran peace deal, late on Sunday night, coming as a 'birthday breakthrough' as the big announcement of halting

the fighting in the middle east, coincided on his 80th birthday. Making the big talk, Trump wrote on Truth Social, "ships of the world, start your engines," announcing an initial peace deal with Iran and opening of the Strait of Hormuz. "Let the oil flow," Trump said but mentioned later that the unblocking of the crucial passage would come into affect once the deal is signed with Iran. Come Monday, Trump took to his Truth Social and claimed that the ships are starting to move out of the Strait of Hormuz, signaling that the strategic maritime trade route was opening for global traffic. "Ships are starting to move, many loaded up with Oil, out of the Strait of Hormuz. They are going along the Southern “Highway,” which is totally safe, secure, and pristine. There are other areas of travel also," he wrote.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1yDDUyKqrs

US Navy Contradicts Trump's Claim on Hormuz Opening While the world could have trusted his words, as it is familiar with how soon his claims are challenged, this time, the US President was contradicted by his own navy. The USNAVCENT (United States Naval Forces Central Command) - the maritime component of the United States Central Command (USCENTCOM) - informed that the blockade of Iran ports remains in effect pending execution of a US-Iran ceasefire agreement that is scheduled for June 19, 2026. The Navy warned merchant vessel operators not to attempt to cross until explicit direction is given. A restricted area exists due to a military blockade operation in the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, North Arabian Sea and the Strait of Hormuz, it added. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSy0o8zKdAU "A military blockade of Iranian ports remains in effect restricting all traffic inbound and outbound from these ports. Ships aiding vessels violating the blockade or conducting ship-to-ship transfers are subject to boarding. Enforcement actions include disabling and destructive fires upon vessels who do not demonstrate immediate compliance with blockading forces and or boarding directions," the US Navy said.

Speaking about action, it said that vessels "subject blockade enforcement should continue compliance with direction from blockading forces. Failure to immediately comply may result in rapid escalation to disabling or destructive fire. Masters are advised to take special caution not to endanger their crews during blockade enforcement actions by failing to abide by
instructions specifically given to ensure their safety and security."

Trump Again Claims Hormuz Open Partially on Sidelines of G7

Trump, who arrived in Geneva on Monday evening for the G7 Summit in France, said that the Strait of Hormuz is “already partially opened” and that it will fully open Friday, when the US and Iran are set to formally sign a memorandum of understanding.

"They’re doing a little hunting for a couple of mines that they’ve already found, but …ships are starting to go out now,” Trump said during a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron at the G7 summit. “On Friday, it’ll be completely open,” he claimed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=taLsnT4ct2M

Though the US president publicly complained about European leaders’ unwillingness to join in the US-Israeli war against Iran, he suggested the strait would reopen without needing much aid from France.

"I don’t think we’re going to need much help, because we have an agreement where it’s going to be open, and it’s toll-free. We had a little argument on that, it’s toll-free,” he said, adding, "I don’t think it’s a bad idea to have a ship or two up here from a few countries," the US President added.