President Trump says the U.S. has begun reopening the Strait of Hormuz after two American destroyers crossed the waterway without incident. At the same time, indirect U.S.-Iran negotiations have started in Islamabad, with Pakistan acting as mediator. Trump argues Iran’s military has been crippled and says the talks are happening from a position of American strength. Meanwhile, violence in Lebanon continues, creating uncertainty over whether the negotiations can hold.
Trump says the U.S. is reopening the Strait of Hormuz while indirect talks with Iran begin in Pakistan. Two U.S. warships crossed safely, Lebanon fighting continues, and Trump insists Iran has “no cards left.” #Trump #StraitOfHormuz #Iran #MiddleEast #JDVance #PakistanTalks pic.twitter.com/5mhOdXRXsn
— Matthew Brady (@mattbrady775) April 11, 2026
- President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. has begun “clearing out” the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a favor to other nations that rely on the shipping lane, including China, Japan, South Korea, France, and Germany.
- Two U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyers reportedly passed through the Strait of Hormuz without incident Saturday, the first such transit since the war with Iran began six weeks ago.
- Trump claimed Iran’s military has been largely destroyed, saying its navy, air force, radar systems, missile factories, and leadership have been eliminated.
- Trump stated that “the Strait of Hormuz will soon be open” and said oil tankers are heading to the U.S. to load American oil.
- U.S.-Iran talks began in Islamabad, Pakistan, in an indirect format mediated by Pakistan.
- The U.S. delegation includes Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner.
- Iran’s delegation is led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
- Pakistan is attempting to move the talks toward direct negotiations and a longer-term peace agreement.
- Iran reportedly demanded two conditions: release of frozen Iranian funds and discussion of continuing Israeli strikes in Lebanon.
- Iran allegedly warned Pakistan that any continued U.S. naval movement through the Strait could damage negotiations.
- Fighting in Lebanon continues despite the talks. Lebanon reported 357 deaths from recent Israeli strikes.
- Hezbollah publicly backed the Pakistan talks but rejected the idea of separate negotiations with Israel in Washington next week.
- Trump said no “backup plan” is needed if negotiations fail because, in his words, Iran’s military is already “defeated.”
