diplomacyThursday, June 18, 20265 sources

U.S. Lifts Naval Blockade on Iranian Ports as Negotiations Begin

The United States has lifted its naval blockade on Iranian ports and coastal areas, marking a significant shift in diplomatic relations. CENTCOM confirmed the cessation of all blockade enforcement efforts, while the U.S. vice president noted that a dozen ships were allowed through. Iran's Supreme Leader criticized the decision, calling it a desperate move by Donald Trump.

The U.S. has officially ended its naval blockade on Iranian ports and coastal areas, allowing commercial and military vessels to pass through. This action was confirmed by multiple sources, including CENTCOM, which stated that all enforcement efforts have ceased. The U.S. vice president added that CENTCOM permitted a dozen ships to navigate through the former blockade, though the exact number of vessels varies between reports.

Where Sources Diverge

The exact number of ships allowed through the blockade varies between sources, with one source mentioning 'a dozen ships' and others not specifying.

tass

The U.S. vice president said that CENTCOM allowed a dozen ships to go through the naval blockade.

npr

The U.S. is allowing ships to enter and exit Iranian ports and coastal areas.

Timelines

Sources

PublicNPRJun 19, 01:28 AM
U.S. lifts blockade on Iranian ports as 60-day clock for a final deal starts ticking

The U.S. is allowing ships to enter and exit Iranian ports and coastal areas as the countries move to a new phase of negotiations over the next 60 days.

PublicBBC WorldJun 18, 11:54 PM
US lifts naval blockade as Iran's supreme leader says Trump made deal 'out of desperation'

Iran's supreme leader says he disagrees with the deal and Donald Trump signed it "out of desperation".

IndependentAl JazeeraJun 18, 11:43 PM
US military says it has lifted naval blockade of Iranian ports

CENTCOM says that all blockade enforcement efforts 'have ceased' but that US forces will remain in the area.

StateTASSJun 18, 09:37 PM
US lifts naval blockade on Iran — CENTCOM

According to the statement, all US military blockade enforcement efforts have ceased

StateTASSJun 18, 08:34 PM
US effectively lifts blockade of Iran's seaports — Vance

The US vice president said that CENTCOM allowed a dozen ships to go through the naval blockade