The US has officially lifted the naval blockade of Iranian ports
The United States has officially lifted its naval blockade of Iran. This was announced by the US Central Command (CENTCOM).
The statement notes that, in accordance with instructions from US President Donald Trump, American forces have lifted the blockade on all maritime traffic entering or leaving Iranian ports and coastal areas.
“US forces are no longer preventing ships from entering or leaving Iranian ports. All measures to enforce the naval blockade have been lifted,” the statement said.
CENTCOM also clarified that US naval vessels would remain in the region to ensure compliance with and implementation of all aspects of the agreement.
The decision to lift the blockade was taken following the signing on 18 June of a memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran. The document provides for an end to the war and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Donald Trump signed the memorandum whilst in France for the G7 summit. A copy of the document was subsequently sent to Iran for approval by President Masoud Pezeshkian.
The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that there would be no separate official signing ceremony, although the possibility of holding one during the meeting of delegations in Geneva on 19 June had previously been considered.
According to Axios, the signing of the memorandum was expedited to ensure the Strait of Hormuz is reopened as soon as possible.
The memorandum consists of 14 points. According to CNN, it provides for an immediate ceasefire on all fronts, the lifting of the naval blockade, the resumption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the easing of oil sanctions against Iran, and the withdrawal of US troops from areas surrounding Iran.
The document also provides for the creation of a $300 billion fund to rebuild Iran’s economy, the unfreezing of $24 billion in frozen Iranian assets, and a 60-day negotiation period to reach a final agreement on the nuclear programme.
It is specifically stated that Iran has undertaken not to produce nuclear weapons.
