On April 8 in Washington, US President Donald Trump declared that any country providing military weapons to Iran will face an immediate 50% tariff without exceptions. This announcement came via a social media post, one day after a two-week ceasefire agreement was reached with Tehran.
Previously, Iran had submitted a 10-point proposal to the United States, which included coordinated controlled transit through the Strait of Hormuz with the Iranian armed forces and the withdrawal of US combat troops from all regional bases. The proposal also called for lifting all primary and secondary sanctions.
Trump stated that discussions regarding tariff and sanctions relief with Tehran would take place, emphasizing that Iran would not be permitted to enrich uranium. He also claimed that Iran has experienced a “regime change.” Notably, Mojtaba Khamenei has succeeded his father as Iran’s supreme leader, while the country’s president and foreign minister remain unchanged since the conflict began.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth addressed the situation at the Pentagon, declaring a “decisive military victory” over Iran. He asserted that Iran’s air force has been destroyed, along with its comprehensive air defense systems. Hegseth, the missile program has been effectively dismantled, with launchers, production facilities, and stockpiles severely depleted and rendered almost useless.
Hegseth reported that 800 strikes conducted on Tuesday night obliterated Iran’s industrial base, preventing the country from manufacturing missiles, rockets, launchers, or UAVs. He added that Iran’s factories have been razed and that the US has utilized less than 10% of its combat power in the conflict.
Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Hegseth confirmed that it remains open for navigation. He explained that both US and Iranian militaries are monitoring the area, but commerce will continue to flow. The US military will maintain a presence in the Middle East to ensure Iran adheres to the ceasefire terms. Hegseth also mentioned that Iran would either surrender its enriched uranium to the US or have it removed by force.
Earlier, a senior Iranian official indicated that Iran might allow limited and controlled transit through the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday or Friday, ahead of a scheduled meeting between US and Iranian representatives in Pakistan. Shipping companies have expressed the need for additional safety assurances before resuming passage.
Container shipping firm Maersk stated that any decision to navigate the Strait of Hormuz will depend on ongoing risk assessments, close security monitoring, and guidance from relevant authorities and partners.
