US-Iran news Highlights: Vance says US will track how Iran sends and receives funds post-deal

Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said future engagement with Washington would not mean accepting US positions.

“It is obvious that the face-to-face negotiations that will be held in the future will not mean accepting the enemy’s point of view,” he said.

He also stressed that Iran would resist any attempt to impose “excessive demands” in future negotiations.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei accused Trump of using “all kinds of levers” to push the agreement through, describing it as driven “out of desperation”.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei said he approved the US–Iran agreement despite having reservations.

“In principle, I had a different view (about the memorandum of understanding), but I issued my permission due to the commitment that the honourable (Iranian) president… gave me,” he said in a message read on state television.

He added that the decision was made to protect “the rights of the Iranian nation and the Resistance Front.”

Addressing maritime concerns, JD Vance rejected the idea of Iran imposing tolls on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

“We believe international waterways should be free of tolls,” he said, adding that regional states would determine a broader security framework.

He warned that if the strait is not fully open, “there’s not going to be a final deal.”

US Vice President JD Vance said he may postpone a planned trip to Switzerland for the ceremonial signing of the Iran–US agreement, adding fresh uncertainty to the rollout of the deal aimed at ending the conflict.

“Our plan is to go to Switzerland. I don’t know exactly when,” Vance told reporters at the White House, adding, “I suspect this weekend, but I’m not sure.”

The visit was expected to formally launch the next phase of negotiations between Washington and Tehran.

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"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 American warships "will remain in the general area to make sure that all aspects of the agreement are adhered to."

Vance said oil movement through the Strait of Hormuz has reached its highest level since the conflict began.

He stated that more than 12.5 million barrels passed through the channel on Wednesday night.

“Highest since war began”: Vance emphasized, “The greatest amount of oil since the war began is now flowing through the Strait of Hormuz.”

He said the US Navy has allowed more than a dozen ships to pass through to Iranian ports under the interim agreement.

Vance described the reopening of shipping lanes and oil flows as an “immediate benefit” of the deal.

The US will rely on inspections and verification rather than verbal commitments in implementing the Iran agreement.

“Words don’t matter” stance: Vance emphasized, “We don’t trust words. We trust action and we trust conduct,” underscoring a conduct-based approach.

Vance said inspectors will specifically monitor Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile to ensure compliance.

Kuwait’s Petroleum Corporation (KPC) has lifted all force majeure notices issued during the war, effective immediately, according to the government communication centre on X.

The decision signals a return to normal operations across Kuwait’s oil sector after wartime disruptions.

KPC said the lifting of force majeure reflects improved conditions following the easing of tensions and reopening of key shipping routes.

It said Kuwait’s oil production is expected to rise to 2 million barrels per day within a week.

US Vice President JD Vance said Iran would require “a lot of money” to rebuild its nuclear program, suggesting financial strain could limit its capabilities.

He indicated that any attempt by Iran to restart or expand its nuclear activities would depend heavily on access to significant funding.

On sanctions relief, Vance said the US will closely monitor how Iran sends and receives money under the evolving agreement framework.

The 60-day negotiation window between the United States and Iran is set to begin on Thursday, according to Vice President JD Vance.

Vance clarified that the agreement between the two sides actually came into effect a day earlier.

He said: “I would say the 60 day period officially started today,” while also noting that “the deal started yesterday.”

US Vice President JD Vance said the US Navy has allowed more than a dozen ships to reach Iranian ports.

Vance made the announcement during a White House press briefing.

He said oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz have increased following the agreement.

According to Vance, more than 12.5 million barrels of oil passed through the waterway on Wednesday night.

"We're also honoring our end of the early part of the agreement on the military side," Vance said.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian hailed the new agreement as a "historic document".

Pezeshkian described the accord as a "message from a strong Iran".

He said the deal reflects Iran's approach to diplomacy and international engagement.

The president stressed that "peace will be achieved through mutual respect", calling it the guiding principle behind Tehran's participation.

Pezeshkian reaffirmed Iran's commitment to global peace and stability.

He said Iran remains committed to preserving its dignity, sovereignty and independence.

Iran's Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, said Tehran is committed to implementing the new peace agreement with the United States.

Fathali described the deal as a potential "historic turning point" for the region and international relations.

He said the agreement can succeed only if all parties fulfill their commitments in good faith and with responsibility.

The ambassador stressed that mutual respect and adherence to obligations are essential for the deal's long-term sustainability.

Iran signaled its readiness to honor the agreement and uphold its commitments.

Fathali pointed to Iran's compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), while noting that the United States had previously withdrawn from the accord.

He said the future of the agreement will depend on whether all sides stick to their promises.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin said greater stability in the Middle East would be beneficial for global energy markets.

Putin made the remarks during a summit with leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Kazan, Russia.

His comments came after the United States and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending their conflict.

Putin welcomed the agreement, describing it as a positive step toward regional stability.

Russia and ASEAN both support the ceasefire arrangement, according to Putin.

He said the agreement could serve as a foundation for broader future agreements and diplomatic efforts.

Oil prices fell nearly 3% on Thursday as markets reacted positively to the interim US-Iran peace deal.

The agreement aims to end the conflict, reopen the Strait of Hormuz and ease sanctions on Iran, improving the global oil supply outlook.

Brent crude dropped $1.53 (1.9%) to $78.02 per barrel.

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) fell $2.22 (2.9%) to $74.57 per barrel.

Brent touched its lowest level since March 2, the first trading day after the initial US-Israeli strikes on Iran.

WTI fell to its lowest level since March 4.

The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route, is expected to support smoother energy flows.

Israeli drone strikes in southern Lebanon killed three people on Thursday, according to Lebanese state media.

The strikes came hours after the US and Iran signed an agreement aimed at ending the Middle East war.

In Kfar Tebnit, an Israeli drone targeted a vehicle, killing two people, Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA) reported.

In the nearby village of Zebdine, another drone strike killed one person.

The Israeli military has not immediately commented on the reported Lebanese casualties.

Separately, Israel announced that one of its soldiers was killed in an incident in southern Lebanon overnight.

The same incident left seven other Israeli soldiers wounded, according to the military.

A growing stream of stranded oil is making its way out of the Strait of Hormuz while empty Iranian vessels rush in, as the US-Iran interim peace deal sparks one of the biggest days of activity since the conflict began. (Bloomberg)