March 28, 2026 l By Dalena Reporters
United States President Donald Trump has declared that Iran must reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz to global oil traffic as a key condition for reaching a peace agreement, amid ongoing negotiations to end the escalating conflict between the two nations.
Speaking at the Saudi-backed Future Investment Initiative (FII) summit in Miami, Trump stated that discussions are currently underway to bring an end to the month-long war, insisting that access to the critical shipping route is non-negotiable for any deal to move forward.
“We’re negotiating now, and it would be great if we could do something, but they have to open it up,” the US president said, referring to the blocked waterway that has disrupted global oil supplies.
The Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil supply typically passes, has effectively been shut down due to the conflict, triggering sharp increases in global energy prices and raising concerns over supply shortages.
Trump also claimed that Iran’s military and nuclear capabilities had been significantly weakened, asserting that Tehran is “on the run,” despite Iranian officials denying such assessments and rejecting claims that a deal is imminent.
In his remarks, the US leader praised Mohammed bin Salman and other Gulf leaders, including those from the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain, for their efforts toward stabilizing the region amid growing tensions.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned of concerns that Iran could introduce a permanent “tolling system” for vessels passing through the strait, a move that could further complicate global trade and energy markets.
The situation has also exposed fractures within Western alliances, as Trump criticized European NATO partners for failing to provide sufficient support during the conflict, raising questions about the future of transatlantic cooperation.
As diplomatic efforts continue, global stakeholders are closely monitoring developments, with the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz seen as a critical step toward restoring stability in international energy markets and preventing further escalation in the region.