US lifts blockade on Iranian ports after initial peace deal

The United States has announced the lifting of its blockade on Iranian ports around the Strait of Hormuz following the signing of an initial peace agreement between Washington and Iran aimed at ending more than 40 days of hostilities.

Following the agreement, US Vice President JD Vance disclosed that about 12.5 million barrels of oil passed through the Strait of Hormuz overnight without interference from Iranian forces.

In a statement, the United States Central Command confirmed that restrictions on maritime traffic entering and leaving Iranian ports and coastal areas had been removed in line with directives from President Donald Trump.

“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,” the statement read.

Centcom, however, noted that US naval forces would continue to maintain a presence in the region to monitor compliance with the agreement and ensure that its terms remain fully effective.

President Trump, who reportedly signed the agreement in France during the G7 Summit, said the deal involved major political and economic concessions intended to secure the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and avert a potential global economic crisis.

According to the memorandum of understanding signed by both sides, negotiations toward a comprehensive final agreement are expected to be concluded within 60 days, with the option of extension through mutual consent.

The agreement also provides for an immediate and permanent cessation of military operations across all fronts, including Lebanon, while both countries pledged to avoid the threat or use of force and respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Under the arrangement, the United States will gradually remove its naval blockade on Iran and fully restore commercial maritime activities within 30 days. Washington also agreed to withdraw military forces from areas close to Iran after the final agreement is concluded.

In return, Iran committed to guaranteeing the safe movement of commercial vessels through the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz for at least 60 days, while also removing military and technical obstacles affecting maritime operations within 30 days. Tehran is additionally expected to engage Oman and other Gulf nations in discussions on long-term maritime security arrangements.

Economically, the United States pledged to collaborate with regional partners on a proposed $300 billion reconstruction and development programme for Iran. The agreement also outlines plans for the phased removal of sanctions, including those linked to the United Nations Security Council, the International Atomic Energy Agency and unilateral US restrictions.

The US Treasury Department is expected to issue immediate waivers covering Iranian oil exports and related services, while frozen Iranian assets and funds are also to be released under the terms of the deal.

On nuclear matters, Iran reaffirmed its commitment not to pursue nuclear weapons and agreed to address issues concerning enriched nuclear material under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

The agreement further states that details concerning uranium enrichment levels and Iran’s nuclear energy requirements will be discussed during negotiations for the final accord.

Pending the conclusion of a permanent agreement, both countries are expected to maintain existing positions regarding Iran’s nuclear programme, US sanctions and military deployments, while a joint monitoring mechanism will oversee implementation of the understanding.

The final agreement is also expected to receive formal backing through a binding resolution of the United Nations Security Council.

US lifts blockade on Iranian ports after initial peace deal