US lifts blockade on Iranian ports as peace deal takes effect

The United States has lifted its naval blockade on Iranian ports near the Strait of Hormuz after Washington and Tehran signed an initial peace agreement aimed at ending more than 40 days of hostilities in the Middle East.

 

Confirming the development on Thursday, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said maritime traffic to and from Iranian ports had resumed in line with President Donald Trump’s directive.

 

“Today, U.S. forces lifted the blockade on all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports and coastal areas, in accordance with the President’s direction,” CENTCOM said in a statement.

 

The military, however, noted that U.S. naval forces would remain in the area to ensure the agreement “is adhered to, obeyed and in full force and effect.”

 

U.S. Vice President JD Vance said the first signs of implementation were already evident, revealing that about 12.5 million barrels of oil passed through the Strait of Hormuz overnight without interference from Iranian forces.

 

The agreement was signed by President Trump during the G7 summit in France and is intended to pave the way for a comprehensive peace deal within 60 days, with the option of an extension by mutual consent.

 

Under the memorandum of understanding, both countries committed to an immediate and permanent cessation of military operations across all fronts, including Lebanon. They also pledged not to initiate hostilities, refrain from threats or the use of force, and respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

 

As part of the agreement, the United States will immediately begin lifting its naval blockade and fully restore commercial shipping to pre-war levels within 30 days. It will also withdraw its forces from areas near Iran within 30 days after a final agreement is reached.

 

In return, Iran agreed to guarantee safe passage for commercial vessels through the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz for 60 days, remove technical and military obstacles within 30 days, and begin discussions with Oman and other Gulf states on future maritime arrangements.

 

The economic provisions of the deal include a U.S. commitment to work with regional partners on a $300 billion reconstruction and development plan for Iran. Washington also agreed to begin lifting sanctions, including unilateral U.S. sanctions, while the U.S. Treasury will immediately issue waivers for Iranian oil exports and related services. Frozen Iranian assets are also expected to be released under the agreement.

 

On the nuclear issue, Iran reaffirmed its commitment not to pursue nuclear weapons and agreed to resolve the status of its enriched uranium under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Both countries also agreed to establish a monitoring mechanism to oversee implementation, while the final agreement is expected to be endorsed through a binding United Nations Security Council resolution.

 

Defending the agreement, President Trump said the concessions made were necessary to prevent a global economic crisis.

 

“I didn’t want to see economic catastrophe. If you kept this going, that could have happened,” Trump said.

 

“All I know is every time we talked about the possibility of peace, the stock market shot up like a rocket ship. Every time we said something negative, like, guess what, we’re not going to be able to settle, it would go down very big,” he added.

 

Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, disclosed that he approved the agreement despite initially holding reservations.

 

“In principle, I had a different view (about the memorandum of understanding), but I issued my permission due to the commitment that the honourable president, as the chairman of the Supreme National Security Council, gave me on behalf of himself and other members to protect the rights of the Iranian nation and the Resistance Front,” Khamenei said in a message broadcast on state television.

 

He accused the United States of pushing for the agreement “out of desperation” and insisted Iran would reject any excessive demands during future negotiations.

 

“It is obvious that the face-to-face negotiations that will be held in the future will not mean accepting the enemy’s point of view,” he added.