U.S. Navy ends blockade of Iran’s ports and coastal areas
In this photo provided by U.S. Central Command, U.S. forces patrol the Arabian Sea near M/V Touska on April 20, 2026, after opening fire on the Iranian-flagged ship, which the United States accuses of trying to violate the naval blockade of Iranian ports near the Strait of Hormuz.
US Navy | Getty Images
The U.S. Navy on Thursday lifted the blockade of Iran’s ports and coastal areas on the orders of President Donald Trump.
The USA said, “American forces do not prevent ships from entering and exiting Iranian ports.” Central Command he said in a statement. “All US efforts to impose a military blockade have been stopped.”
The end of the blockade comes after Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a memorandum of understanding on Wednesday aimed at ending the US-Iran war.
According to the agreement, Iran is obliged to allow commercial ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz without paying transit fees for 60 days.
Iran did not fire on ships in Hormuz for two consecutive nights, Vice President J.D. Vance told reporters early Thursday. “So far they are honoring their commitment to the fullest,” Vance said.
More than 12 million barrels of oil passed through Hormuz overnight, the vice president said. CNBC could not immediately confirm that number. Commercial intelligence firm Kpler said three Saudi tankers carrying about 6 million barrels crossed the strait.
