Iran live updates: IRGC says Strait of Hormuz will 'never' revert to pre-war state

Regarding the trade disruptions from the effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, President Donald Trump said he has two suggestions to impacted countries: buy oil from the U.S., and "build up some delayed courage" and "protect" the passageway themselves.

"Iran has been essentially decimated. The hard part is done, so it should be easy," he said in his address.

"And in any event, when this conflict is over, the strait will open up naturally, it'll just open up naturally," he claimed.

While addressing the nation from the White House, President Donald Trump said the U.S.' "core strategic objectives" in Iran are "nearing completion."

"We are going to finish the job. And we're going to finish it very fast. We're getting very close," he said.

President Donald Trump is addressing the nation to give an "important update" on Iran as the war continues in its fifth week.

The speech comes as the Trump administration faces questions over the war's aims and its future.

President Donald Trump will meet with NATO's Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House next week, a White House official confirmed.

The meeting comes as Trump's criticism of the alliance has reached a fever pitch. Earlier Wednesday, the president said in a phone interview with Reuters that he is "absolutely" considering trying to withdraw the U.S. from NATO.

The president's current frustration stems from European nations who did not respond to his calls for help in securing the Strait of Hormuz amid the war in Iran.

Trump and Rutte have enjoyed a warm relationship in the past. Rutte visited the White House in 2025, shortly after Trump was sworn back into office and the leaders showered each other in praise.