WASHINGTON: The United States US military has officially lifted its naval blockade on Iran, restoring free passage for all commercial and civilian vessels to and from Iranian ports, according to a statement from U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) .
The move follows direction from President Donald Trump and comes as part of an interim agreement between Washington and Tehran. “Today, US forces lifted the blockade on all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports and coastal areas,” CENTCOM said in a statement. “American forces are not impeding the transit of vessels to or from Iranian ports on the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. All US military blockade enforcement efforts have ceased” .
The blockade had been in place since mid-April, when the U.S. imposed restrictions on shipping in response to Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz . The disruption had trapped hundreds of vessels in the Persian Gulf and disrupted global oil supplies .
While the immediate blockade has been lifted, U.S. Navy warships will maintain a presence in the region. CENTCOM emphasized that naval vessels “will remain in the general area to make sure that all aspects of the agreement are adhered to, obeyed and in full force and effect” .
The development follows the signing of a 14-point memorandum of understanding between the U.S. and Iran, which includes commitments to further negotiations over the next 60 days aimed at reaching a final agreement . Under the interim deal, the U.S. is required to fully end its naval blockade within 30 days, while Iran is to restore commercial vessel traffic to pre-war levels within the same timeframe .
Despite the breakthrough, maritime traffic is expected to return to normal gradually. Challenges remain, including mine-clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz, lingering security concerns for shipowners and insurers, and the need to clear hundreds of vessels currently anchored in the Gulf . Experts have warned that full restoration of normal shipping volumes could take months .
