U.S. Lifts Blockade on Iranian Ports Under War-Ending Agreement

Vice President JD Vance announced Thursday that the U.S. Navy has allowed more than a dozen ships to pass through to Iranian ports, marking a significant step in lifting a blockade as part of an agreement to end the war. The announcement was made during a White House press briefing, where Vance stated that increased oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz demonstrate U.S. commitment to the accord. More than 12.5 million barrels of oil passed through the critical shipping channel on Wednesday night, according to Vance—the highest volume since the conflict began in late February.

Vance emphasized that the United States is honoring its commitments under the early stages of the military component of the agreement. The lifting of the blockade represents a tangible measure of progress toward resolving the ongoing conflict. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital international shipping route, has been central to negotiations between the parties, and the increased throughput signals a de-escalation of tensions in the region.

The announcement underscores the Trump administration's focus on implementing agreements that reduce military confrontation and restore commercial shipping activities. The restoration of port access for Iranian vessels and the resumption of normal oil transit through the strait indicate movement toward normalized maritime operations in the region.