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Jun 16, 20261
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US Lifts Naval Blockade as Iran, US, and Pakistan Announce Peace Agreement
The United States lifted its naval blockade on the Strait of Hormuz on Monday after Iran, the US, and Pakistan announced a finalized peace memorandum of understanding aimed at ending their conflict. Five Iranian ships immediately passed through the waterway, with the agreement set to be officially signed in Switzerland on Friday.
Quick Facts
Who
United States
What
US lifted naval blockade on Strait of Hormuz
When
Monday, June 16, 2026
Where
Strait of Hormuz
- US lifted naval blockade on Strait of Hormuz
- Five Iranian ships passed through Strait of Hormuz
- Peace memorandum of understanding announced
- Three oil tankers and two cargo ships transited
- Strait of Hormuz set to reopen
The United States lifted its naval blockade on the Strait of Hormuz on Monday following the announcement of a peace memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Iran, the US, and Pakistan. The agreement aims to end the ongoing conflict following weeks of negotiations. The move was ordered by US President Donald Trump immediately after the announcement of the finalized agreement.
The blockade had been imposed in April in response to Iran's increased control over the strategically vital waterway, which came after US-Israeli joint strikes on Iran beginning February 28. The blockade had prevented ships from traveling to and from Iranian ports through one of the world's most critical shipping lanes.
As a sign of the thawing tensions, five Iranian vessels—comprising three oil tankers and two ships carrying essential goods—passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Monday. The passage marked the first significant movement through the waterway since the blockade was implemented. According to Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency, Iran is expected to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz following the official signing of the MoU scheduled for Friday in Switzerland.
The agreement represents a significant diplomatic breakthrough after months of escalating tensions in the region. The involvement of Pakistan in the peace accord underscores the regional significance of the settlement. The formal signing in Switzerland is expected to solidify the terms of the agreement and pave the way for broader normalization in the region.
Why This Matters
This agreement marks a major de-escalation in Middle East tensions and has immediate practical implications for global shipping and energy markets. The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz—through which roughly one-third of global seaborne oil passes—reduces supply chain disruptions and could lower energy prices. For businesses with regional operations or energy exposure, this signals improved predictability and reduced geopolitical risk in one of the world's most critical chokepoints.
Timeline & Sources
Feb 28, 2026
WireUS-Israeli joint strikes on Iran begin
Jun 16, 2026
WireIran, US, and Pakistan announce finalized peace MoU; US lifts naval blockade; five Iranian ships pass through Strait of Hormuz
Jun 20, 2026
WirePeace memorandum of understanding to be officially signed in Switzerland