President Trump Dismisses Renewed Hormuz Closure as Iranian Attempt at ‘Blackmail’

President Trump responds to the renewed closure of the Strait of Hormuz, calling it an attempt at blackmail while insisting talks are "working out really well."

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 18, 2026, 10:03 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from AP News and The Times of Israel

White House Dismisses Iranian Maneuvers as Predictable Tactics

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Saturday afternoon, President Donald Trump addressed the sudden reversal in the Strait of Hormuz after Tehran reinstated its maritime blockade. The President described the move as a typical provocation, remarking that "Iran got a little cute" by closing the passage less than 24 hours after it had been declared open. Trump asserted that these actions are part of a 47 year pattern of behavior that his administration is specifically designed to break. He emphasized that despite the renewed restrictions, the United States remains in active communication with Iranian representatives to stabilize the region.

Confidence in Islamabad Negotiations Despite Escalation

The President insisted that the broader diplomatic process is "working out really well," even as the 10 day ceasefire faces its most significant challenge to date. Trump noted that he expects to receive and share more detailed information by the end of the day regarding the status of the talks. This optimism stands in contrast to the situation on the water, where the IRGC has reportedly fired on commercial vessels. Trump suggested that the military pressure exerted by the U.S. naval blockade on Iranian ports is the primary driver behind Tehran's willingness to remain at the negotiating table.

Rejection of Nuclear and Energy Blackmail

A central theme of the President’s remarks was the refusal to allow maritime disruptions to dictate American foreign policy. "They can’t blackmail us," Trump stated, referring to Iran’s attempt to link the reopening of the strait to the immediate lifting of U.S. sanctions and the naval blockade. The administration has maintained that the blockade, which has successfully intercepted dozens of Iranian linked vessels since April 13, will remain in "full force and effect" until a comprehensive deal is reached. This deal must reportedly include the permanent removal of Iran's enriched uranium stockpile and a total cessation of its ballistic missile program.