US military lifts naval blockade on Iran after agreement

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The U.S. military said on Tuesday it has lifted its naval blockade on Iran, ending the restriction that had been imposed on vessels traveling to and from Iranian ports in the Gulf. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said the blockade was lifted at President Donald Trump's direction, adding that U.S. forces are no longer preventing the passage of ships moving to or from Iran's Gulf ports. CENTCOM said U.S. Navy vessels will remain in the region to ensure compliance with all terms of the agreement. The move follows an accord signed electronically on Monday between Washington and Tehran that ended the conflict between the two countries. The blockade had been announced by Trump on April 12, 2026, targeting ships sailing to and from Iran. Tehran had condemned the move as "maritime piracy" and said a permanent control mechanism would be firmly enforced in the Strait of Hormuz. No further details on the implementation of the agreement were immediately available.