Trump declares lifting of naval blockade on Iran

(U.S. Navy photo)

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 may be moving closer to a deal that could end the conflict. Iranian officials have rejected that claim. TWZ cannot independently confirm either side's assertions.

Trump's Statement on Truth Social

"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!'" Trump wrote on Truth Social, referring to the Strait of Hormuz. The strategic chokepoint has been largely closed to most traffic by Iran since shortly after the launch of Operation Epic Fury on February 28.

Trump's comments may reflect a still-unsigned Memorandum of Agreement with Iran that paves the way for reopening the Strait and is designed to create negotiating space to address broader concerns regarding Iran's nuclear ambitions.

"Iran must agree that they will never have a Nuclear Weapon or Bomb," Trump added. "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!)."

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," Admiral Brad Cooper said in an April 11 media release. "Additional U.S. forces, including underwater drones, will join the clearance effort in the coming days."

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

Background on the Blockade

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.

"As of May 29, 115 commercial vessels have been redirected to ensure no commerce enters or leaves Iranian ports," CENTCOM stated in a post Friday morning, approximately one hour before Trump's announcement.

Unanswered Questions

Trump did not specify the mechanics for ending the blockade, and CENTCOM declined to comment on what the announcement means for the assets deployed in the region to enforce it. The command referred 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 juncture, before any agreement has been signed. According to various media reports, such a move would have been contingent on Iran easing its restrictions on Strait shipping. However, Iranian officials have insisted that no such easing has occurred.

According to Tasnim News Agency, no final understanding has been reached between Iran and the U.S. so far. 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. Even if implemented, it would merely mark the cessation of one ceasefire violation, as the blockade should never have been imposed in the first place.