President Donald Trump stated on 10/4 that the strait of Hormuz would reopen "quite quickly", adding, "If not, we will find a way to resolve it decisively". He made these remarks to reporters at joint base Andrews, referencing efforts to open the vital waterway.

The US president revealed that some countries had offered assistance, but did not specify which. "Other nations also use this strait. Therefore, some countries are involved and will lend a hand. It will not be easy, but we will open the strait soon", he said.

The US leader emphasized that the primary focus of negotiations with Iran remains limiting its nuclear capabilities. "No nuclear weapons. That is 99% of the agreement's content", he stated.

President Donald Trump at Andrews military base in Maryland on 10/4. Photo: *AP*

Trump previously wrote on Truth Social that Iran had "no cards left" in negotiations with the US, except for "blackmailing the world in the short term" by using international shipping lanes. He declared, "The only reason they still exist today is to negotiate".

The US and Iran had agreed to reopen the strait of Hormuz as part of a two-week ceasefire agreement reached on 8/4. However, oil shipments through this vital waterway remained almost stalled due to a lack of clear guidance from Tehran, according to CNN.

AFP news agency cited maritime tracking data collected on 9/4, indicating that only 10 vessels had passed through the strait of Hormuz since the ceasefire took effect in the Middle East.

Under the agreement, Iran agreed to reopen the strait of Hormuz during the ceasefire. However, vessels passing through would be subject to monitoring by Iranian armed forces and must comply with "technical measures". Tehran told mediating parties that it would limit the number of vessels passing through the strait of Hormuz to about a dozen per day.

Mediators and maritime brokers also stated that Iran required cargo ships to agree on transit fees in advance, then pay using cryptocurrency or the yuan. The fees depend on vessel size, including a basic transit fee, security escort, and administrative processing.

Location of the strait of Hormuz and surrounding countries. Graphic: *NASA*

President Trump also expressed dissatisfaction that NATO allies were not supporting security for the strait of Hormuz. Reuters reported on 9/4 that following a meeting with Trump, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte informed European governments that the US leader wanted specific commitments to protect this shipping lane within the next few days.

Vu Hoang (According to Reuters, AFP, CNN)