The US military announced on June 18 that it has lifted the naval blockade of Iranian ports, part of an agreement between Washington and Tehran to pause military operations during negotiations.
CENTCOM said all US blockade enforcement activities have ended, but that forces will remain in the area to oversee adherence to the deal. “Naval vessels will remain in the region to ensure all aspects of the agreement are fully complied with,” CENTCOM posted on social media.
Earlier the same day, US Vice President JD Vance said 12.5 million barrels of oil passed through the Strait of Hormuz on June 17, after the US Navy allowed “more than a dozen ships” to cross the blockade. The strait, previously paralyzed by the US-Israel conflict with Iran, had disrupted global energy markets.
The fragile ceasefire still faces numerous challenges, including Israel’s continued occupation of southern Lebanon, Iran’s nuclear program, and the future of the Strait of Hormuz—where Iran has declared it will impose transit fees.
The administration of President Donald Trump defended the concessions granted to Iran in the memorandum, including potential economic aid for Tehran’s post-war recovery. “When people understand the agreement, they will see it is good for America,” Mr. Vance said.
