US Central Command officially lifts naval blockade on Iran

CAIRO – 18 June 2026: The US Central Command (CENTCOM) officially announced on Thursday the lifting of the naval blockade on Iran, in accordance with direct instructions issued by US President Donald Trump following the signing of a recent Memorandum of Understanding in the region.

CENTCOM confirmed that its naval and air forces deployed in the region are no longer obstructing or restricting the passage of commercial vessels and tankers to and from Iranian ports in the Arabian Gulf. The move marks a significant step toward implementing the terms of the interim agreement on the ground.

In the same context, CENTCOM stressed that lifting the blockade does not signify a complete withdrawal. It explained that US naval vessels will remain deployed in the region’s waters and at strategic locations in the coming period to ensure continued monitoring and full compliance by all parties with the security arrangements and terms outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding.

These rapid developments reinforce positive indicators of a potential breakthrough in international energy and shipping markets, particularly following the announcement of record oil transit volumes through the Strait of Hormuz in recent hours.