Trump declares lifting of naval blockade on Iran

President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he is lifting the U.S. naval blockade on Iranian ports, which was enacted last month. The announcement comes amid media reports and administration messaging suggesting that Washington and Tehran appear to be drawing closer to a potential deal that could end the conflict. Iranian officials have rejected that notion. TWZ cannot independently confirm either side's assertions.

"Ships caught in the Strait due to our amazing and unprecedented Naval Blockade, which will now be lifted, may start the process of 'heading home!'"

>

— President Donald Trump, via Truth Social

Trump's statement referred to the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic chokepoint that has been largely closed to most traffic by Iran since shortly after the launch of Operation Epic Fury on February 28.

Potential Agreement with Iran

Trump's comments may reflect a still-unsigned Memorandum of Agreement with Iran that paves the way for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The agreement is reportedly designed to create negotiating space to address the larger issue of Iran's nuclear ambitions.

"Iran must agree that they will never have a Nuclear Weapon or Bomb. The Hormuz Strait must be immediately open, no tolls, for unrestricted shipping traffic, in both directions. All water mines (bombs), if any, will be terminated (we have removed, through detonation, numerous such mines with our great underwater mine sweepers. Iran will complete the immediate removal and/or detonation of any mines that are left, which will not be many!)."

>

— President Donald Trump

Mine Clearance Operations

Last month, the head of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the deployment of uncrewed underwater vehicles (UUVs) to the region for counter-mine operations. UUVs are a critical component of modern minesweeping efforts.

"The Strait of Hormuz is an international sea passage and an essential trade corridor that supports regional and global economic prosperity. Additional U.S. forces, including underwater drones, will join the clearance effort in the coming days."

>

— Admiral Brad Cooper, CENTCOM, April 11 media release

The U.S. Navy operates various types of uncrewed undersea vehicles, remotely operated vehicles, and an airborne mine neutralization system to perform minesweeping operations.

Background on the Blockade

President Trump ordered the blockade on April 13 to create economic pressure on Iran by limiting its ability to export oil or import weapons and other materiel.

According to CENTCOM, as of May 29, 115 commercial vessels had been redirected to ensure no commerce entered or left Iranian ports. The command posted this update approximately one hour before Trump's announcement.

Unanswered Questions

Trump did not specify the mechanics for ending the blockade. CENTCOM declined to comment on what the announcement means for the assets deployed in the region to enforce it, referring inquiries to the White House, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

It remains unclear why Trump would lift the blockade at such a critical time, before any agreement has been signed. According to various media reports, such a move would have been made in conjunction with Iran easing its restrictions on Strait shipping. However, Iranian officials have insisted that no such easing has occurred.

No final understanding has been reached between Iran and the US so far, according to Tasnim News Agency. The report notes that Trump's post follows his usual pattern of one-sided, self-aggrandizing statements, and his claims about lifting the naval blockade should be viewed with skepticism.