Trump Claims Iran Requested Reopening of Strait of Hormuz

In a series of statements issued on Tuesday, 28 April 2026, United States President Donald Trump asserted that the Iranian government has approached Washington with a request to facilitate the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The waterway remains one of the world’s most vital maritime corridors for the global supply of petroleum and liquefied natural gas.

Assertions of Iranian Instability

Writing on his social media platform, Truth Social, President Trump characterised the current state of the Islamic Republic as “collapsed.” He further alleged that the nation is currently experiencing a significant internal power vacuum, suggesting that the Iranian leadership is uncertain as to who holds the position of supreme authority within their own government.

According to the President’s post:

“They want us to get the Strait of Hormuz open as soon as possible, while they try to figure out their leadership situation (which I believe they will do successfully!).”

These comments come amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the Persian Gulf, where the free movement of international shipping has frequently been disrupted. The President’s remarks imply that the Iranian administration, despite its rhetoric, is seeking American intervention or diplomatic concessions to restore maritime traffic through the narrow passage.

The Strategic Significance of the Strait

The Strait of Hormuz serves as a critical choke point between the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf. It is the sole sea route from the Persian Gulf to the open ocean, making it a linchpin for global energy security. Historically, approximately one-fifth of the world’s total oil consumption passes through this waterway. Any closure or significant restriction of the Strait typically results in immediate and volatile fluctuations in global Brent Crude prices.

Under international maritime law, specifically the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), ships are generally entitled to “transit passage.” However, Iran has historically asserted its right to control the waters within its territorial limits, leading to frequent confrontations with Western naval forces.

Russian Support for Iranian Sovereignty

The claims made by President Trump have met with stark opposition from the Kremlin. Speaking at the United Nations, the Russian Permanent Representative, Vassily Nebenzia, defended Tehran’s actions regarding maritime regulation. Nebenzia dismissed Western criticisms as “hypocrisy” and accused Western powers of engaging in activities akin to “piracy.”

The Russian envoy argued that Iran is acting within its rights as a sovereign coastal state, particularly in the context of perceived external threats. He stated:

“An attempt was made to pin all the blame on Iran. It was as if Iran had attacked its neighbour. In a time of war, a coastal country that has been attacked can regulate shipping for the sake of its security.”

Nebenzia’s comments highlight the deepening diplomatic rift between the P5+1 nations. Russia maintains that Iran’s measures to monitor and control the Strait are defensive necessities rather than unprovoked acts of aggression.

Context of the Crisis

The current standoff follows a period of protracted economic sanctions and military posturing. While the United States continues to exert “maximum pressure” via economic restrictions, Iran’s regional adversaries and international allies remain divided on the legality of naval blockades.

Though President Trump expressed confidence that Iran would eventually resolve its internal “leadership crisis,” the immediate focus for international markets remains the physical security of the Strait. If the President’s claims are verified, a formal request from Tehran to Washington would mark a significant shift in the diplomatic landscape, potentially opening a channel for de-escalation in the Middle East.

At present, neither the Iranian Foreign Ministry nor the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has officially confirmed the request mentioned by the US President. International observers continue to monitor the region for any signs of eased restrictions on commercial shipping.