Trump Rejects Iran Ceasefire Until Strait of Hormuz Reopens

President Donald Trump has dismissed any immediate ceasefire with Iran, insisting the United States will only consider peace once the Strait of Hormuz is fully open to global shipping.

In a blunt social media post Wednesday, Trump claimed Iran’s new president – whom he called “much less radical and much more intelligent than his predecessors” – had just asked Washington for a complete end to hostilities. He made clear the request would go nowhere until the strategic waterway is “open, free, and safe.”

“Until then, we are destroying Iran or, as they say, back to the Stone Age!!!” Trump wrote.

The statement comes as the Israel-US military campaign against Iran enters its fifth week. Iranian forces have blocked the Strait of Hormuz, choking off roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply and driving crude prices above $100 per barrel.

NaijaChoice News reports that the standoff has triggered fresh fears across oil-producing nations, including Nigeria.

For Nigeria, the crisis carries direct economic stakes. As Africa’s largest crude exporter, the country stands to gain from higher global prices in the short term. Yet prolonged disruption to the Strait could dampen demand, hurt long-term revenues, and fuel inflation at home.

Energy analysts in Lagos warn that any further escalation risks supply shocks that could worsen Nigeria’s fuel subsidy removal pains and weaken the naira.

Tehran has not publicly confirmed Trump’s claim of a ceasefire request. Iranian officials have previously denied seeking talks while US and Israeli strikes continue on their nuclear and energy sites.

Trump’s latest position echoes earlier threats to obliterate Iran’s power plants and oil infrastructure if the waterway remains closed. He has also told US allies to “get your own oil” and secure the Strait themselves.

As the conflict rages on, global markets remain on edge. Nigerian policymakers are closely watching developments, with the NNPC and Finance Ministry already reviewing contingency plans for energy price volatility.

The coming days will determine whether Trump’s hardline stance forces a breakthrough or pushes the region deeper into war.