President Donald Trump has declared that the Strait of Hormuz will be reopened "very soon," regardless of whether Iran cooperates.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the landmark peace talks in Islamabad, Trump emphasized that the U.S. will not tolerate Iran's attempt to impose an informal "toll booth" or transit fees on vessels.

He asserted that the primary condition for any deal is ensuring Iran remains nuclear-free, stating that once this is guaranteed, the strait will "automatically" reopen.

Despite a two-week ceasefire, maritime traffic remains nearly paralyzed, with over 600 ships—including 325 tankers—currently stranded in the Persian Gulf.

As negotiations led by Vice President JD Vance and Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf begin in Pakistan, Trump’s firm stance highlights the high stakes involving one-fifth of the world’s global energy supply.