Blockade enforcement ends as agreement takes effect
U.S. Central Command announced Thursday that it has lifted its military blockade on Iranian ports. "U.S. military blockade enforcement efforts have ceased," CENTCOM said in a statement posted on social media. The action follows President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signing a memorandum of understanding between the two countries, an agreement Trump signed Wednesday evening while dining at Versailles.
American naval ships will remain in the region despite the blockade's end. CENTCOM said U.S. 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 announcement marks a dramatic shift after months of military escalation and negotiations between the two nations.
How the conflict escalated and de-escalated
Trump announced "major combat operations" against Iran on February 28, with massive joint U.S.-Israeli strikes targeting military, government and infrastructure sites. Following those strikes, initial U.S.-Iran talks in Pakistan in April failed to reach a peace deal. Trump then announced an open-ended extension of a ceasefire and continuation of the blockade until negotiations concluded.
The memorandum was read to reporters on Wednesday, and both presidents signed it that same day according to a White House official. Pezeshkian posted images of the signed document Thursday on social media, calling it a "historical document" with the message: "Peace will be realized in the shadow of mutual respect." The images appeared to show signatures from Trump, Pezeshkian, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Vice President defends deal as oil flows resume
Trump reinforced the agreement's enforceability at a press conference after the Group of Seven summit, stating the U.S. will resume bombing Iran if the Islamic Republic violates the terms. "No, it's not final. It's a memorandum of understanding," Trump said, emphasizing the conditional nature of the peace.
Implementation talks begin in Switzerland
Officials from the U.S. and Iran are expected to meet Friday in Switzerland to begin implementing the agreement, according to the Swiss foreign ministry. The meeting will take place in Bürgenstock, a resort area near Lucerne, and will include mediators from Pakistan and Qatar. The Swiss statement said the talks would focus on "initial negotiations on the implementation of the agreement."
