Hormuz ‘fully open’ but US keeps Iran blockade intact

The Strait of Hormuz remains operationally accessible despite ongoing diplomatic tensions between the United States and Iran. While Trump administration officials signal imminent agreement within days, fundamental disagreements persist regarding the scope of negotiations. Tehran maintains that maritime passage normalization cannot be separated from regional security concerns, particularly the Lebanese conflict resolution, whereas Washington treats these matters as distinct policy objectives. This strategic impasse highlights the complex intersection of trade routes, regional stability, and geopolitical leverage in Middle Eastern affairs.