Trump Criticizes Iran for ‘Very Poor Job’ Managing Hormuz Traffic as Fragile Ceasefire Faces First Major Test
By Juba Global News Network | JubaGlobal.com April 10, 2026 Just days into a hard-won two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, President Dona
By Juba Global News Network | JubaGlobal.com
April 10, 2026
Just days into a hard-won two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, President Donald Trump has sharply criticized Tehran for its handling of the Strait of Hormuz, describing it as a “very poor job” and even calling it “dishonorable” in some respects. The comments come as shipping traffic through the world’s most critical energy chokepoint remains at a near-standstill, raising fresh doubts about the durability of the truce and its impact on global oil markets.
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway between Iran and Oman, carries approximately 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas under normal conditions. Its closure or severe restriction during the recent US-Israel-Iran conflict triggered sharp spikes in energy prices and fears of a broader global economic shock.
Background: From Escalation to Fragile Ceasefire
The ceasefire was announced on April 7-8, 2026, following intense diplomatic intervention by Pakistan. President Trump had issued increasingly strong warnings to Iran, including dramatic statements that failure to reopen the strait could lead to devastating consequences. In one notable post, he emphasized the need for the strait to be “COMPLETELY, IMMEDIATELY, and SAFE[LY]” opened as a core condition for suspending military action.25
Iran agreed to the two-week pause and pledged to allow passage through Hormuz, with negotiations scheduled to begin in Islamabad. However, the agreement’s terms appear subject to differing interpretations. Iran has described the reopening as “regulated passage” under its military oversight, requiring vessels to coordinate with Iranian forces, particularly the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) navy. Reports indicate ships must follow specific routes—entering north of Larak Island and exiting south—until further notice.15
Trump’s Latest Criticism
On April 9, President Trump took to Truth Social to express frustration:
“There are reports that Iran is charging fees to tankers going through the Hormuz Strait — They better not be and, if they are, they better stop now!”
He followed up with:
“Iran is doing a very poor job, dishonorable some would say, of allowing Oil to go through the Strait of Hormuz. That is not the agreement we have.”
Trump’s statements reflect growing impatience with the slow pace of normalization. According to shipping data, only a handful of vessels—fewer than 10 in the first 24 hours after the ceasefire took effect, including just four tankers—have transited the strait. Traffic remains a fraction of pre-conflict levels, effectively keeping the waterway in a state of restricted operation.22
Iranian officials, including the Deputy Foreign Minister, have confirmed the strait is “open” but under strict military management. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other voices in Tehran have emphasized Iran’s sovereign rights over the passage, rejecting any notion of unrestricted international access without coordination.
Some reports suggest Iran is seeking fees—potentially $1 per barrel of oil, possibly payable in cryptocurrency—for vessels transiting waters it considers under its influence. The US has firmly rejected such tolls, insisting the ceasefire deal envisions free and safe passage without additional limitations.0
Impact on Global Energy Markets
The sluggish reopening has already influenced oil prices. After an initial dip following the ceasefire announcement, benchmarks edged higher again amid uncertainty. Analysts note that even partial restrictions in Hormuz can tighten supply expectations, especially as the conflict had already disrupted flows for weeks.
Energy traders are closely watching vessel-tracking data and satellite imagery for signs of increased tanker movement. Shipping companies have expressed caution, seeking clearer guarantees of safety and consistent rules before committing large crude carriers to the route.
Broader Context of the Ceasefire
The Hormuz dispute is not occurring in isolation. The two-week truce has shown strains on multiple fronts:
- Israeli strikes in Lebanon continue, with reports of significant casualties, raising questions about whether the ceasefire fully covers proxy or secondary theaters.
- Upcoming talks in Islamabad (set to involve US and Iranian delegations, possibly mediated by Pakistani officials) will address not only Hormuz but also Iran’s nuclear program, regional influence, and longer-term de-escalation.
- Iran maintains significant military capabilities, including ballistic missiles and near-weapons-grade uranium stockpiles, which remain points of contention.
President Trump has expressed optimism about reaching a more comprehensive deal, while simultaneously warning that any violation could lead to renewed and intensified action. Iranian leaders have hailed the pause as a strategic achievement, framing it as proof of resilience against pressure.
What Experts Are Saying
Analysts describe the current situation as a “very shaky” ceasefire. The differing interpretations of the Hormuz clause highlight a classic challenge in such agreements: ambiguity that allows both sides to claim adherence while testing the other’s patience.
Maritime security experts point out that even with declared reopening, practical issues—lingering mines, insurance costs for vessels, and crew safety concerns—could delay a full return to normal traffic for days or weeks.
Economists warn that prolonged uncertainty in Hormuz could sustain elevated energy prices, feeding into inflation concerns worldwide, particularly in import-dependent economies across Asia and Europe.
Outlook for the Coming Days
With US-Iran talks scheduled soon in Pakistan, the coming 48-72 hours will be critical. Key questions include:
- Will Iran ease coordination requirements and drop any fee demands?
- Will the US accept a phased or regulated reopening as sufficient compliance?
- Can parallel issues, such as Lebanon violence, be contained to prevent spillover?
President Trump’s public criticism serves as both pressure on Tehran and a signal to domestic and international audiences that Washington expects concrete results quickly.
For now, the Strait of Hormuz remains the most visible barometer of the ceasefire’s health. Limited shipping, rising oil price volatility, and rhetorical exchanges suggest the truce is holding—but only tenuously.
Juba Global News Network will continue monitoring developments in real time, including updates from Islamabad talks, shipping data, and official statements from Washington and Tehran.
This is a developing story. Check JubaGlobal.com for the latest updates on the US-Iran ceasefire, Strait of Hormuz shipping status, and global energy implications.
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President Trump accuses Iran of doing a “very poor job” managing the Strait of Hormuz as shipping traffic remains severely limited days into the US-Iran ceasefire. Tensions rise over regulated passage, potential fees, and compliance with the fragile truce amid global energy concerns.
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