The United States has officially ended its naval blockade of Iran after the two countries signed an agreement aimed at ending the recent conflict in the Middle East.
US Central Command announced that the blockade had been lifted in accordance with President Donald Trump’s directive, although some US naval assets will remain deployed in the region.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei later confirmed that he had approved the agreement despite holding reservations about certain aspects of the deal. He said his decision was based on assurances from President Masoud Pezeshkian that Iran’s national interests would be protected.
Khamenei accused the United States of using significant pressure to secure the agreement but stressed that future negotiations with Washington would not signify acceptance of US positions.
The agreement includes 14 key provisions, among them the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, commitments regarding Iran’s nuclear programme, and the establishment of a proposed US$300 billion reconstruction and economic development fund for Iran. The deal also sets a 60-day timeframe for negotiating a comprehensive settlement, with the possibility of extension by mutual consent.
Although a formal signing ceremony had been planned in Switzerland, mediators confirmed that the agreement was finalized remotely. However, US and Iranian representatives are still expected to meet in Switzerland for follow-up technical discussions.
US Vice President JD Vance said the agreement has already taken effect and confirmed that further negotiations would focus on implementation details. He added that Iran would not receive financial benefits or sanctions relief unless it complies with its obligations under the agreement.
The deal has sparked political debate in the United States, with some Republican lawmakers criticizing the arrangement. Senator Bill Cassidy described it as a major foreign policy mistake, arguing that Iran’s nuclear ambitions had not been adequately addressed.
Vance rejected those criticisms, stating that the agreement requires Iran to eliminate its stockpile of enriched uranium and cease support for regional proxy groups.
The Vice President also criticized members of the Israeli government who opposed the deal, arguing that a negotiated settlement would contribute to regional stability and benefit Israel’s long-term security.
Meanwhile, tensions remain in parts of the region. Despite the agreement, Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement have continued exchanging strikes, with reports of casualties in Lebanon. Israel maintains that its operations against Hezbollah are separate from the conflict involving Iran, while Hezbollah has publicly rejected the terms of the US-Iran agreement.
The agreement marks the beginning of a new diplomatic phase between Washington and Tehran, with further negotiations expected in the coming weeks.