US naval blockade lifted as deal to end war in Iran takes effect

International

THE United States has lifted its naval blockade of Iran after both countries agreed to a deal aimed at ending the conflict in the Middle East.

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‎In a report by BBC News, U.S. Central Command said the blockade was lifted "in accordance with the President's direction," while some American ships will remain in the area.

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‎Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said he approved the deal despite having a "different view" on it. He said he agreed after receiving assurances from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian that he would "protect the rights of the Iranian nation."

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‎Khamenei also claimed that U.S. President Donald Trump had "out of desperation, used all kinds of leverage" to make the deal happen.

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‎The agreement includes the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a commitment that Iran will not obtain a nuclear weapon, and a $300 billion fund for the country's reconstruction and economic development. Both sides are also expected to work toward a final agreement within 60 days.

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‎U.S. Vice President JD Vance confirmed that the deal is already in effect and that further negotiations will continue.

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‎The agreement has drawn criticism from some U.S. lawmakers. Republican Senator Bill Cassidy called it the "worst foreign policy blunder in decades."

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‎"Iran's nuclear ambitions were not curbed, and they have learned that threatening the Strait of Hormuz works," Cassidy said.

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‎Vance defended the deal, saying Iran will not receive money or sanctions relief unless it meets its obligations. He added that Iran must destroy its stockpile of enriched uranium and stop supporting proxy groups in the region.

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‎Vance also criticized members of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet who opposed the agreement.

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‎"If I was in the cabinet of the Israeli government, I might not be attacking the only powerful ally that I have anywhere left in the entire world," Vance said.

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‎Despite the agreement, tensions remain in the region as Israel and Hezbollah have continued exchanging attacks since the deal was announced.

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‎Vance said Israel should respect the peace process with Iran, adding that attacks in Beirut that kill civilians are "not acceptable."(Rojen Ann De la Cruz, PIT Comm Intern)