US Lifts Maritime Blockade on Iran, Military Presence Remains
The United States has officially lifted its maritime blockade affecting all shipping traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports and coastal areas. This action aligns with directives from President Donald Trump.
According to the US military, American forces will no longer obstruct vessels traveling to and from Iranian ports in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. All operations aimed at enforcing the blockade have ceased, as stated in a military announcement.
Despite this, the Central Command (CENTCOM) has emphasized that US naval vessels will continue to operate in the area to ensure compliance and enforcement of all terms of the agreement.
On the same day, reports emerged that following the signing of a US-Iran memorandum, Saudi-flagged tankers have successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz. While Reuters noted that transit levels through the strait are unlikely to return to pre-war conditions anytime soon due to the need for mine clearance and security guarantees, initial changes are already evident.
Context
- On May 28, the US and Iran reached a 60-day ceasefire memorandum agreement aimed at initiating discussions on Tehran’s nuclear program. On June 1, Trump confirmed that he had fulfilled Iran’s condition regarding halting hostilities between Israel and Lebanon.
- On June 14, Reuters shared details of a proposed memorandum of understanding between Iran and the US, covering various issues from Tehran’s nuclear program to the resumption of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. A source indicated that a final agreement will be discussed within 60 days following the initial accord.
- Later that evening, Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif announced on social media that the US and Iran had reached a peace agreement after a series of intensive negotiations, a statement confirmed by Trump on Truth Social.
- In the early hours of June 18, the US and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending hostilities. Axios revealed details of the document, indicating it represents a more modest agreement than the terms Trump previously deemed necessary for resolving the conflict with Tehran.
