Tehran/Washington: Commercial shipping began moving through the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday after the United States officially lifted its naval blockade
on Iran, marking the first major step in implementing the newly signed US-Iran agreement aimed at ending months of conflict.
US lifts blockade
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that American forces had halted all maritime blockade enforcement operations around Iran under directions 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. American forces are not impeding the transit of vessels to or from Iranian ports. All U.S. military blockade…
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) June 18, 2026
“Today, US forces lifted the blockade on all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports and coastal areas, in accordance with the President’s direction,” CENTCOM said.
The military added that American forces were no longer restricting vessels travelling to or from Iranian ports in the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. However, US naval assets will remain in the region to monitor compliance with the agreement.
Shipping traffic resumes
The reopening of maritime routes allowed oil tankers to resume passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway that handles roughly one-fifth of global oil supplies.
The development contributed to a decline in oil prices, which fell to their lowest level since March 2 amid expectations that exports through the strait could gradually return to normal levels.
Iran has also begun implementing measures under the agreement, including expedited approvals for commercial vessels. Tehran said transit fees through the strait would be waived for 60 days, although it would continue regulating maritime traffic during the interim period.
US-Iran deal
The agreement establishes a 60-day negotiating window during which both countries will seek to resolve key disputes, including Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions relief and broader economic cooperation.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei signalled that upcoming negotiations may prove difficult.
“If the American side wants to be too demanding, we will not accept it,” he said in a written message.
The deal also includes plans for a $300 billion reconstruction and development fund for Iran and other financial incentives.
Israel attacks Lebanon
Despite progress between Washington and Tehran, Israeli forces carried out fresh airstrikes against Hezbollah positions on Thursday, even though the deal calls for the “permanent termination” of the war in Lebanon and the protection of the country’s sovereignty. The strikes on Lebanon cast uncertainty over the agreement’s future.
Israel, which was not part of the negotiations, has indicated it does not intend to withdraw from Lebanon, raising questions about the broader implementation of the accord.
Trump-Vance warning
President Trump urged all parties to support the peace process.
“The United States is committed to PEACE, and we encourage everyone in the Middle East Region to maintain their commitment to allowing our negotiations to beautifully unfold,” he said.
Vice President JD Vance also appeared to caution Israel against undermining diplomatic efforts.
“If I was in the cabinet of the Israeli government, I might not be attacking the only powerful ally that I have anywhere left in the entire world,” he said.
While maritime trade has begun normalising and the US-Iran agreement has entered into force, unresolved issues surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme and the continuing conflict in Lebanon remain key challenges for the fragile peace process.
