US Army says it has lifted maritime blockade on Iran

WASHINGTON, United States — The US Army announced it has lifted its maritime blockade on Iran, according to a military statement, ending the naval operation that had been in force amid tensions between Washington and Tehran. The statement said the decision was part of a restructuring of maritime security operations and involved a new arrangement for the deployment of naval forces in the region. Coordination with allied forces in the area will continue, it added. The blockade had been in place during a period of heightened tension between the United States and Iran, though the statement did not specify when the operation began or what prompted its removal. It also did not outline what the new deployment arrangement would look like. No official response from Iran was included in the released text, and it remained unclear whether Tehran had been informed in advance or had issued a separate statement. No further details were immediately available.