President Donald Trump said at a Turning Point USA event in Phoenix, Arizona that the Strait of Hormuz is now fully open and thanked Gulf states for their tremendous support.
Trump links strait reopening to Gulf state cooperation
Trump stated that the opening of the Strait of Hormuz will be a great and brilliant day for the world, directly attributing the development to support from Gulf nations. He made the remarks during a public appearance on April 18, 2026, as reported by Al Jazeera. The statement came after weeks of heightened tensions following U.S. And Israeli military actions that prompted Iran to close the vital waterway.
Strait reopening reverses months of trade disruption
The Strait of Hormuz, a 100-mile-long chokepoint between the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, had been effectively closed by Iran in response to joint U.S.-Israel strikes beginning February 28, 2026. Before the closure, approximately 20% of global oil and natural gas supplies transited the route daily. The shutdown left hundreds of tankers stranded and contributed to a surge in global energy prices.
Gulf states cited as key to resolving impasse
Trump’s acknowledgment of Gulf state support aligns with earlier diplomatic efforts in Islamabad, where U.S.-Iran peace talks collapsed over disagreements including the strait’s reopening and toll impositions. While the Al Jazeera report does not detail specific actions by Gulf states, it notes Trump’s public thanks as recognition of their role in facilitating the resolution. No further technical or operational details about the strait’s current status were provided in the source.
What does the opening of the Strait of Hormuz imply for global markets?
The source indicates that the strait’s reopening could ease energy price pressures caused by its prior closure, though it does not provide current market data or confirm specific impacts on oil prices.
Which Gulf states did Trump thank for their support?
The source does not name any specific Gulf states; Trump’s statement referred collectively to Gulf states’ tremendous support without identifying individual countries.