CENTCOM said all blockade enforcement activities had “ceased” but US forces would remain in the area.
Published June 18, 2026
The US military announced it had lifted a naval blockade of Iranian ports as part of an agreement between the US and Iran that halted military operations during negotiations.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced Thursday that all U.S. blockade efforts have ceased, but that U.S. forces will remain in the region to ensure compliance with the agreement.
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Centcom, which oversees U.S. military operations in the Middle East, said in a social media post: “Today, the U.S. military, in accordance with the President’s direction, lifted the blockade of all maritime traffic to and from Iranian ports and coastal areas. U.S. forces are not interfering with shipping traffic to or from Iranian ports. All blockade enforcement efforts by U.S. forces have ceased.”
“Our great naval vessels will remain in general waters to ensure all aspects of the agreement are adhered to, adhered to, and in full force and effect.”
Earlier in the day, Vice President J.D. Vance said at a White House press briefing that 12.5 million barrels of oil passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday as the U.S. Navy allowed “more than a dozen ships” to pass through the U.S. blockade.
Iran’s Supreme Council for National Security said in a statement on Thursday that the country’s Persian Gulf Straits Authority will facilitate prompt clearance of ships attempting to transit the strait and will take steps to clear mines laid in the waterway during the war.
Iranian state television quoted a statement as saying that “no tolls will be collected” during the 60-day negotiation period, but ships wishing to transit the strait “must submit their requests” to the new government agency.
Traffic through the narrow waterway, which serves as a key transit hub for global supplies of oil and gas, has been backed up during the US and Israel’s war against Iran, disrupting energy markets and threatening to disrupt the global economy.
The fragile agreement to suspend fighting could still face a number of obstacles, including Israel’s continued occupation of southern Lebanon, Iran’s nuclear program and the future status of the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran says it plans to collect royalties.
The administration of US President Donald Trump has defended the concessions to Iran outlined in a memorandum of understanding signed by the two countries, including the possibility of economic relief to help rebuild from the war.
Mr. Vance defended the deal from domestic critics Thursday, saying, “Once people understand not just the deal, but understand our negotiating position as a country, they will understand that this is a great thing for the American people.”
