shipping resumes as fragile peace takes hold
The first signs of post-war recovery are emerging in the Middle East after the United States and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the conflict. Oil tankers are once again passing through the Strait of Hormuz and daily routines are returning to the streets of Tehran.
Here are some images of the deal:
Strait of Hormuz
The US Navy ended the blockade of Iranian ports and coastal waters following the signing of the US-Iran memorandum aimed at ending the conflict, and US Central Command said all blockade-related enforcement operations had ceased.
According to the agreement, Iran must allow commercial ships free passage through the Strait of Hormuz for 60 days.
In this photo taken from Iran’s ISNA news agency on June 18, 2026, the ships are seen anchoring in Bandar Abbas along the Strait of Hormuz.
Amirhossein Khorgooei | Afp | Getty Images
Commercial ships and oil tankers preparing to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most critical strategic waterways in terms of global trade flow, have been waiting in the Gulf of Oman since June 17.
Anatolia | Anatolia | Getty Images
Iran after the Memorandum of Understanding
Tehran residents are returning to more normal activity levels.
The streets and squares in Tehran appeared to have returned to normal on June 18, as hopes for economic recovery rose after the memorandum of understanding signed between the United States and Iran.
Anatolia | Anatolia | Getty Images
Streets and squares reflect the sense of normalization in Tehran.
Anatolia | Anatolia | Getty Images
JD Vance: USA does not give a dime to Iran
As the agreement began to reshape conditions on the ground, U.S. officials sought to defend its terms. On Thursday, Vice President J.D. Vance said Tehran would not receive direct U.S. funding and that any economic relief would depend on Iran meeting its commitments under the deal.
U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance speaks at a press conference in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House in Washington DC, United States.
Anatolia | Anatolia | Getty Images
Vance’s comments come as the White House faces a backlash from Republicans over whether Trump gave Iran too much under the 14-point memorandum of understanding, which includes sanctions relief, access to frozen funds and a proposed $300 billion reconstruction plan. “The only way the Iranians will obtain any of these resources is if they fully comply with the terms of the agreement.”
Anatolia | Anatolia | Getty Images
Israel-Lebanon situation
The Israeli military said it would continue to operate in southern Lebanon and “eliminate threats” beyond its so-called security zone after the United States and Iran signed a deal to end the Middle East war.
Mahmoud Zayyat | Afp | Getty Images
