US naval blockade on Iran to remain until Friday deal signing

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Despite a preliminary agreement between the U.S. and Iran to end hostilities, the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports remains in place, a source familiar with operations told TWZ on Monday morning. The statement provides additional clarity to comments made by President Donald Trump and Iranian officials regarding the deal and its impact on shipping.

Shipping companies, the United Nations, and a maritime security firm have told TWZ they are adopting a wait-and-see approach before altering current operations or issuing new guidance. As Trump noted over the weekend, the Strait of Hormuz must be fully de-mined, while Iranian officials have stated they will continue to impose fees for transit.

Blockade to Remain Until Signing

"The blockade is ongoing and is expected to remain in place until the signing [of the memorandum of understanding] on Friday."

— Source speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss operational details

The source declined to confirm whether the U.S. would fire on vessels attempting to run the blockade or turn ships back, as has been done previously.

As of June 12, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported disabling nine vessels attempting to breach the blockade and redirecting 139 others. (Read more about how those ships were disabled here.)

Key Components of the Agreement

Iran's reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, combined with the U.S. ending the blockade that took effect on April 13, is a major element of the U.S.-Iran agreement. Iran closed the Strait to most shipping after being attacked by the U.S. and Israel on Feb. 28. As TWZ has frequently reported, this had a cascading effect on the global economy, driving oil prices higher.

Trump's Statements on the Strait

During a press conference and in a message on Truth Social, Trump said Monday that the Strait of Hormuz was already "partially opened."

"Ships are starting to move, many loaded up with Oil, out of the Strait of Hormuz. They are going along the Southern 'Highway,' which is totally safe, secure, and pristine. There are other areas of travel, also!!!"

— President Donald Trump on Truth Social

Trump later added at a press conference in France: "Ships are starting to go out now. By Friday it will completely opened."

As previously reported, ships had been transiting the Strait via a southern route close to the United Arab Emirates and Oman under U.S. military overwatch. Last week, Trump revealed that the U.S. had enacted a secret plan to move hundreds of ships out of the Strait, though this remains far below pre-war transit numbers.

Iranian Officials' Statements

On Monday, Iranian officials said they understood the blockade would be lifted immediately.

"Under the agreements reached, the war and military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon, will come to an immediate and permanent end beginning tonight. Furthermore, the naval blockade against Iran will be lifted immediately and completely."

— Secretariat of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, via IRNA

Also on Monday, Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman, Esmail Baghaei, stated that Iran will continue to charge vessels transiting the Strait for services rendered.

"According to the MoU, Iran and Oman will be responsible for managing passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran is not seeking to impose tolls. However, in return for navigation services, environmental protection, insurances and other maritime services, Iran will collect the necessary fees."

— Esmail Baghaei, Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman

Trump's Social Media Posts on the Blockade

A day earlier, Trump addressed the blockade in two statements on Truth Social.

In a post at 6:27 P.M. EDT, he wrote:

"This Great Deal will bring Peace and Security to the whole Region. Many presidents have tried to make Peace with Iran, and all have failed before me. The Leaders of the Region have, for the first time, found a President who can help them achieve real Peace. With the opening of the Strait upon the signing of the Deal on Friday, for purposes of mine removal, oil will flow on both ends again for the Region, and the World!"

Less than an hour earlier, Trump said he was authorizing "the immediate removal" of the blockade:

"The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete. Congratulations to all! I hereby fully authorize the toll free opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and, simultaneously herewith, authorize the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade. Ships of the World, start your engines."

TWZ has reached out to the White House for further clarification.