US Lifts Naval Blockade of Iranian Ports as JD Vance Says Oil Flows Through Strait of Hormuz

The United States lifted its naval blockade of Iranian ports on Thursday, and oil tankers began moving through the Strait of Hormuz after months of being unable to use the channel, as the tentative agreement to end the war took effect.

US Central Command said, "All U.S. military blockade enforcement efforts have ceased," while adding that "Our great Naval Ships will remain in the general area" to ensure compliance with the agreement.

ABC News

Vice President JD Vance told reporters that 12.5 million barrels of oil had passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday as the US Navy permitted "north of a dozen ships" through the US blockade.

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council said its Persian Gulf Strait Authority would facilitate speedy authorisation of ships seeking to pass through the strait and that measures would be taken to clear mines laid in the waterway during the war.

The AP reported that Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba endorsed direct negotiations with the U.S. in a statement read by state media, marking his first reaction to the agreement.

In a White House press briefing, JD Vance said the U.S. held "all the cards" and insisted Iran would not significantly benefit until it could "verify for us that they are changing their behavior," as the 60-day clock for broader talks started.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba said, "It is obvious that the face-to-face negotiations that will be held in the future will not mean accepting the enemy’s opinion," according to AP’s report.

Al Jazeera

The Washington Post said Vance responded to Israeli criticism of the deal by telling Israeli leaders they need to "wake up and smell the reality" that they are isolated internationally.

NPR described the agreement as giving each side 60 days to negotiate, with the U.S. blockade lift tied to ceasefire conditions and Iran committing to let oil tankers move safely through the Strait of Hormuz.

France 24 reported uncertainty around planned Switzerland talks, noting that it remained unclear if the two sides would hold a signing ceremony and talks in Switzerland on Friday as previously announced.

NPR said the agreement signed Wednesday extended a ceasefire and gave "60 days" to hammer out broader agreements, including plans for a $300 billion fund for reconstruction and economic development of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The NPR report also said the ceasefire extends to Lebanon, which would require cooperation from the Israelis who are not a party to the agreement, leaving a key regional condition unresolved.

France 24 reported that under the text Washington would waive oil sanctions immediately and that once a final agreement is reached on Iran’s nuclear programme, the United States would facilitate the release of a $300 billion reconstruction fund supported by regional nations.

Al Jazeera reported that the fragile agreement could still face obstacles including Israel’s continued occupation of southern Lebanon, Iran’s nuclear programme, and the future status of the Strait of Hormuz where Iran has said it plans to charge usage fees.

CBS News said the Trump administration released the agreement as not a final deal and that Trump warned the U.S. could resume bombing Iran "if they don't behave," while Israel continued limited strikes in Lebanon after the announcement.