US forces lift blockade of Iran ports, says ‘will remain in general area…’
US President Trump said the deal with Iran to end the war was a “victory” for the United States, rejecting mounting criticism including from some in his own Republican party.
American forces on Thursday lifted their naval blockade of Iranian ports after more than two months of preventing ships from sailing from or to the Islamic republic, the US military said.
"Today, U.S. forces lifted the blockade on all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports and coastal areas," US Central Command said in a post on X, adding that American warships "will remain in the general area to make sure that all aspects of the agreement are adhered to."
“Oil is flowing”: Trump signals reopening of key energy route
US President Donald Trump said on Truth Social that “oil is flowing,” following the interim agreement aimed at stabilising the region after months of conflict that disrupted global energy flows.
Quick answers to key questions
The US lifted the blockade as part of an interim agreement aimed at stabilizing the region and resuming maritime traffic, allowing for the flow of oil after months of conflict.
Shipping activity has surged, with vessels carrying nearly 10 million barrels of oil reported to have exited or transited the strait, indicating a significant recovery in operations.
Compliance will be monitored through verification and inspections by international inspectors who will oversee Iran's uranium stockpile and ensure adherence to the terms of the agreement.
Despite the increase in traffic, the main central channel of the Strait of Hormuz remains closed due to unresolved risks, including around 80 mines that need to be cleared.
The reopening could lead to lower oil prices if shipping volumes return to pre-conflict levels, but ongoing security concerns may prevent a full recovery, maintaining risk premiums.
The reopening of maritime traffic has triggered a broader recovery in shipping activity across the Gulf.
Trump also said the deal with Iran to end the war was a "victory" for the United States, rejecting mounting criticism including from some in his own Republican party.
"There is no 300 Billion Dollar payment to Iran by the U.S. That's Fake News! All there is for the U.S. is Success, Lower Oil Prices, and Victory. Check out the Stock Market. Dumocrat propaganda at play!!!" Trump said in a post on his Truth Social network.
Tankers break through blockade
At least two oil tankers have left Iran and crossed the US naval blockade without interception, carrying a combined 3.8 million barrels of crude oil, according to shipping trackers.
Iranian state media said shipping activity at southern ports has “normalized,” while stressing that the Strait of Hormuz remains under Iranian military supervision and transit still requires coordination.
Vessels surge through Strait of Hormuz after deal
Maritime data firms and shipping analysts reported a sharp rise in traffic. Lloyd’s List Intelligence said vessels carrying nearly 10 million barrels of oil have either exited or are transiting the strait.
Richard Meade, editor-in-chief of Lloyd’s List, said major commercial operators are returning after months of disruption.
“For the first time in 110 days, ships owned by major companies were crossing the strait,” he said.
Earlier, US Vice President JD Vance confirmed that American naval forces have eased restrictions as part of the agreement.
He said the US is committed to keeping maritime routes open, adding:
“International waterways should be free of tolls,” Vance said, stressing that regional powers will need to establish a future security framework.
He also warned that if access is not guaranteed, “there’s not going to be a final deal.”
Restrictions remain
Despite the surge in movement, the Strait of Hormuz is not fully operational.
Phillip Belcher, marine director at Intertanko, said the main central channel remains closed due to unresolved risks.
“The main central route… has an estimated 80 mines that need to be cleared,” he said, adding that ships are instead using alternative northern and southern routes.
“This is like a highway where the road in the middle is closed… we need to get back to having the highway open,” Belcher said.
Iran says shipping has “normalized” but control remains
Iranian officials said commercial shipping has resumed normal operations since Monday, according to state media reports.
However, Tehran reiterated that passage through the strait still requires coordination with Iranian authorities, underscoring continued strategic control over the waterway.
60-day clock starts for nuclear negotiations
The interim US–Iran agreement has triggered a 60-day negotiation window aimed at finalising a broader nuclear deal.
Vance said the timeline is now active, with both sides expected to negotiate limits on Iran’s uranium enrichment and verification mechanisms.
He said the objective remains clear: “If the strait is not open, there’s not going to be a final deal.”
Energy markets and shipping sector react
Major shipping firms, including Grimaldi Group, Cosco, NYK and Knutsen, have reportedly resumed transits through the strait.
Maritime data company Kpler recorded six crossings on Wednesday and 11 on Thursday, indicating a steady return of commercial movement.
The Strait of Hormuz typically handles around one-fifth of global crude oil flows, making its reopening a critical development for global energy markets.
(With AP, Bloomberg inputs)
About the Author
Mausam Jha is a journalist who focuses on world affairs and politics. She provides clear, informative reporting with a good understanding of both global events and their local impact. <br><br> Her clear, accessible reporting on political and international issues makes her a trusted source of news and analysis. <br><br> For the past three years, Mausam has worked with Mint, covering national politics, IR—including elections—and global affairs.<br> Before joining her current role, she gained experience working with The Statesman, ANI, and Financial Express, where she honed her skills in political and international news. <br><br> She has consistently tracked key electoral battles, including US elections, Japan elections, policy debates, and strategic affairs, explaining how global currents, from great power competition to regional conflicts <br><br> Beyond journalism, Mausam has a deep engagement with international relations, diplomacy, war studies, terrorism, political history, and political theory. She is particularly interested in the intersection of statecraft and society on how governance, ideology, and institutions shape lived realities, and how politics shape today's world order. <br><br> An avid reader of classical literature and political thought, she constantly explores the connections between historical ideas and contemporary policy challenges.
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