US lifts blockade on ships from all Iranian ports

The US has lifted its blockade on all ships entering and leaving Iranian ports and coastal areas. The US military's Middle East-based command, CENTCOM (Central Command), announced this on Thursday (June 18). Al Jazeera reported this information in a live report.

In a post on the social media X, CENTCOM said that US forces are no longer obstructing the movement of ships entering or leaving Iranian ports located in the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.

However, even if the blockade is lifted, the US Navy will continue to have a presence in the region, CENTCOM said. The agency said that US warships will be deployed in the area to ensure that "all aspects" of the agreement with Iran are being properly implemented.

The US decision is seen as an important step for regional maritime trade and navigation after recent tensions. However, CENTCOM did not immediately provide further details on the terms of the agreement.

On Thursday, Iranian President Masoud Pajhwok and Donald Trump digitally signed the agreement, which put the agreement into effect. The agreement includes issues such as ending the war, the situation in Lebanon, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and lifting the US naval blockade on Iran.

However, the two sides are expected to begin a 60-day negotiation process on issues such as Iran's nuclear program and the lifting of sanctions in order to reach a final agreement.