US blockade of Iran must be lifted from Strait of Hormuz soon

April 18, 2026 • Al Jazeera

US blockade of Iran must be lifted from Strait of Hormuz soon

US blockade of Iran may be lifted for Strait of Hormuz reopening

The United States’ blockade on Iran is expected to be lifted as a condition for the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, according to Michael Shoebridge, Director of Strategic Analysis at Australia. This development comes as efforts are made to revive international trade and commerce in the region.

Shoebridge stated that the US may need to end its blockade on Iran in order to facilitate the complete reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The Strait, a critical waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, has been closed since 2019 due to heightened tensions between Iran and other regional actors.

The blockade has had significant economic implications for countries reliant on Iranian oil exports, including those in Asia and Europe. As negotiations continue to revitalize trade agreements, Shoebridge’s comments suggest that a lifting of the US embargo may be necessary to ensure the Strait’s full reopening.

Details of the proposed agreement remain unclear, but Shoebridge’s statement indicates that the US blockade is likely to be a key factor in determining when the Strait can resume its normal operations. The international community will continue to monitor developments in this regard as efforts are made to restore stability and commerce in the region.

Source: Al Jazeera