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ConflictU.S. CENTCOM: Navy lifts blockade of Iran's ports and coastal areas
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The U.S. Navy lifted its blockade of Iran's ports and coastal areas on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at the direction of President Donald Trump, according to U.S. Central Command. The move follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian aimed at ending the U.S.-Iran war. Under the MOU, Iran is obligated to allow commercial vessels to transit the Strait of Hormuz without paying tolls for 60 days. CENTCOM confirmed that all U.S. military blockade enforcement efforts have ceased and that American forces are no longer impeding vessel transit to or from Iranian ports. The article notes this is a developing story.
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In this handout photo provided by U.S. Central Command, U.S. forces patrol the Arabian Sea near M/V Touska on April 20, 2026, after firing upon the Iranian-flagged vessel that the U.S. accused of attempting to violate the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports near the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. Navy | Getty Images
The U.S. Navy on Thursday lifted its blockade of Iran's ports and coastal areas at the direction of President Donald Trump.
"American forces are not impeding the transit of vessels to or from Iranian ports," U.S. Central Command said in a statement. "All U.S. military blockade enforcement efforts have ceased."
The end of the blockade comes after Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) Wednesday that aims to end the U.S.-Iran war.
Under the MOU, Iran is obligated to allow commercial vessels to transit the Strait of Hormuz without paying tolls for 60 days.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
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US Top News and AnalysisWestern
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