Iran says the Strait of Hormuz is fully open to commercial vessels. But President Donald Trump says the American blockade on Iranian ships and ports will stay in force until Tehran reaches a deal with the U.

China will use its influence on Iran to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNBC on Thursday. "China has a much bigger interest in reopening the strait than the U.S. does," the Treasury Secretary said.

Iran's military said on Saturday the Strait of Hormuz has "returned to its previous state." The announcement came after President Trump had said the blockade on Iranian ports would remain in place.

NATO officials are discussing a potential military operation to help commercial ships pass through the virtually blocked Strait of Hormuz if the critical waterway remains closed beyond early July, according to a media report published Tuesday.

Iran has offered to end its chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the U.S. lifting its blockade on the country and an end to the war.

Preparations are underway for a multinational mission led by Britain, which includes the deployment of a warship, Typhoon jets, and mine-hunting equipment to the Middle East. The UK, alongside France,

Trump meets national security officials to discuss Iran war strategy as the Strait of Hormuz blockade enters its ninth week, rattling energy and crypto markets.