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ConflictCENTCOM: Strait of Hormuz blockade lifted, but warships remain to monitor ceasefire.
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The U.S. Navy has lifted its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz after two months, ending the stoppage of the vital waterway. According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), American forces are no longer impeding transit to Iranian ports, but warships—including several destroyers and the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier—will remain in the area to monitor the implementation of a newly signed ceasefire agreement. The deal, brokered by President Donald Trump, initiates a 60-day ceasefire to allow formal peace talks, ends sanctions on Iran, affirms Iran will not acquire nuclear weapons, and unfreezes Iranian assets. The blockade, which began in April, had redirected 142 commercial ships and disabled nine others, with Marines boarding some vessels. The enforcement included a lethal strike on the M/T Settebello that killed three Indian sailors. Despite the ceasefire, Trump warned at the G7 summit that the U.S. could resume bombing Iran if the accord collapses. The military presence signals continued readiness for potential conflict.
Source report
The U.S. Navy will maintain a presence in the area surrounding the Strait of Hormuz following the lifting of its blockade, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced Thursday, ending two months of restricted access to the vital waterway.
"American forces are not impeding the transit of vessels to or from Iranian ports," CENTCOM stated. "All U.S. military blockade enforcement efforts have ceased."
The decision follows President Donald Trump's signing of an initial agreement to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. However, the numerous ships deployed to enforce the blockade—including several destroyers and the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier—will "remain in the general area to make sure that all aspects of the agreement are adhered to, obeyed and in full force and effect."
Background of the Agreement
CENTCOM's directive came four days after Trump announced he had authorized "the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade." The blockade remained active until the president formally signed the deal in Europe. The agreement establishes a 60-day ceasefire to allow for formal negotiations to fully end the war, and also:
- Ends sanctions on Iran
- Affirms that Iran will not produce or procure nuclear weapons
- Unfreezes Iranian assets
Continued Military Readiness
The Navy's ongoing presence near the strait comes as the U.S. and Iran have ceased combat operations but remain prepared for further conflict. At the Group of Seven summit on Wednesday, Trump warned that the U.S. could resume bombing Iran if the ceasefire and agreement break down.
Blockade History and Impact
Iran had severely restricted ship traffic through the strait early in the war, disrupting the flow of oil and other chemicals through the key waterway. On April 13, days after the first ceasefire was announced, CENTCOM declared a blockade of Iranian ports, effectively shutting down the strait and leaving many ships stranded.
Blockade Enforcement Statistics
CENTCOM head Adm. Brad Cooper stated Friday that more than 15,000 troops participated in or supported the blockade during that period. According to CENTCOM, military forces:
- Redirected 142 commercial ships attempting to bypass the blockade
- Disabled nine other vessels using deck guns or missile strikes from fighter jets
- Boarded and seized some ships by Marines and other troops attempting to break the blockade
On June 11, a strike on the M/T Settebello by U.S. forces killed three Indian sailors aboard, marking the first fatalities from blockade enforcement.
Source
Task & PurposeWestern
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