US lifts naval blockade of Iranian ports under deal with Tehran

The United States military has lifted its naval blockade of Iranian ports under an agreement with Iran to suspend military operations during a period of negotiations, Al Jazeera reported.

US Central Command said on Thursday that all blockade enforcement measures had ended, but US naval forces would remain in the area to monitor compliance with the agreement.

CENTCOM, which oversees US military operations in the Middle East, said American forces were no longer blocking maritime traffic entering or leaving Iranian ports and coastal areas.

It said US naval ships would remain in the general area to ensure that all aspects of the agreement were followed.

Earlier, US Vice President JD Vance said during a White House press briefing that 12.5 million barrels of oil had passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday after the US Navy allowed more than a dozen ships through the blockade.

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council said on Thursday that the country’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority would facilitate the quick authorisation of ships seeking to pass through the strait.

Iranian state TV quoted the council as saying that steps would also be taken to clear mines laid in the waterway during the war.

The statement said no fees would be collected during the 60-day negotiation period, but ships seeking passage through the strait would be required to submit requests to a new government body.

Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil and gas supplies, had slowed sharply during the conflict, disrupting energy markets and raising concerns about wider economic fallout.

The agreement suspending fighting still faces potential complications, including Israel’s continued occupation of southern Lebanon, Iran’s nuclear programme and the future status of the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has previously indicated plans to charge usage fees.

The administration of US President Donald Trump has defended concessions outlined in a memorandum of understanding signed by the United States and Iran, including possible economic relief to help Iran recover from the war.

Vance said the agreement and the US negotiating position would be seen as beneficial for the American people once better understood.