Trump orders end to U.S. maritime blockade enforcement around Iran
The U.S. military, in accordance with President Donald Trump’s direction, has lifted the blockade on maritime traffic around Iranian ports and coastal areas, according to a statement released by U.S. Central Command, Qazinform News Agency reports.
According to a statement released by the official account of the U.S. military’s Central Command on the X platform, the move was carried out in accordance with President Trump’s direction and marks the end of American enforcement efforts related to the maritime blockade.
“American forces are not impeding the transit of vessels to or from Iranian ports. All U.S. military blockade enforcement efforts have ceased,” the statement reads.
U.S. Central Command added that American naval vessels will remain deployed across the broader region to monitor compliance with the agreement that lifted the blockade.
“Our great Naval Ships will remain in the general area to make sure that all aspects of the agreement are adhered to, obeyed and in full force and effect,” the U.S. Central Command wrote on its official account.
The announcement signals a significant easing of maritime restrictions on Iran’s ports and coastal waters, although U.S. military assets will continue to maintain a presence in the region’s waters.
Today, U.S. forces lifted the blockade on all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports and coastal areas, in accordance with the President's direction. American forces are not impeding the transit of vessels to or from Iranian ports. All U.S. military blockade…
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) June 18, 2026
Earlier, Qazinform News Agency reported that U.S. President Donald Trump had confirmed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran.