WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has ordered the immediate removal of the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports, the White House said, following a preliminary agreement with Iran to end months of conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
The directive came days after Trump announced on social media that a deal had been reached. In a post, Trump wrote: “Congratulations to all! I hereby fully authorize the toll free opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and, simultaneously herewith, authorize the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade.”
The blockade was imposed on April 13, 2026, in response to Iranian actions restricting shipping through the strategically vital waterway, according to U.S. Central Command statements. It targeted vessels entering or departing Iranian ports along the country's coastline.
U.S. officials said the decision to lift the blockade is tied to the agreement, which aims to halt hostilities across multiple fronts, including those involving Israel and Lebanon. A formal signing is scheduled for June 19, and the U.S. military has indicated the blockade will remain in effect until then, a U.S. official told Reuters.
Iranian officials have confirmed aspects of the framework, though details on implementation timelines and verification mechanisms remain unclear. The pact, mediated in part by Pakistan, Qatar and others, addresses immediate maritime access but defers broader issues such as Iran’s nuclear program to later negotiations.
The naval operation had disrupted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for roughly one-fifth of global oil trade. U.S. Central Command reported redirecting more than 100 commercial vessels and taking other enforcement actions since the blockade began.
Trump administration officials described the move as a step toward de-escalation and economic relief. Iranian state media reported the agreement would allow resumed oil exports and ease pressure on its economy. Neither side has released the full text of the preliminary deal.
International reaction has been mixed. Gulf states and energy markets have welcomed the prospect of stabilized shipping lanes. However, concerns persist about enforcement and the durability of the truce, with some analysts noting recent incidents involving regional proxies.
As of Tuesday, U.S. forces continued monitoring the area while preparing to adjust operations, Pentagon spokespeople said. Shipping companies have begun inquiring about resumed transit routes, though full normalization is expected only after the signing ceremony.
The development marks a significant shift from the escalation that began earlier in 2026. Trump had previously authorized the blockade as leverage following the breakdown of earlier talks. Details on the exact scope of the removal and any conditions attached were not immediately available from the White House.
