Daijiworld Media Network - Tehran
Tehran, Jun 16: Iran has announced that the United States has begun lifting the naval blockade imposed on Iranian ports, marking a significant development ahead of the formal signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) scheduled to take place in Switzerland on Friday.
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Majid Takht-Ravanchi, said the easing of restrictions was one of Tehran’s key demands during negotiations and described it as an important step towards implementing the upcoming agreement.
According to reports cited by the Adnkronos news agency, the blockade, which had been in place for nearly two months, was lifted even before the official signing ceremony.
“The removal of the blockade was one of the issues we had stressed from the very beginning. The process has now started, and the restrictions have been lifted ahead of the formal signing of the agreement,” Takht-Ravanchi said.
On Monday evening, Iranian media reported that three oil tankers and two cargo vessels carrying essential goods had successfully entered Iranian waters after passing through areas previously affected by the naval restrictions.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the newly concluded agreement with Iran, describing it as a significant step towards reducing tensions in the Middle East, reopening the Strait of Hormuz and preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
The two leaders made the remarks during a meeting held on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in the French resort town of Evian.
Macron said the agreement could contribute to broader regional stability and strengthen international peace efforts.
“I believe yesterday’s agreement with Iran was a very important peace deal. It primarily addresses the nuclear issue, which is essential not only for regional peace but also for global security,” Macron said.
He added that the agreement could also support efforts to stabilise Lebanon.
“It could contribute to peace in Lebanon, and France is prepared to shoulder its responsibilities alongside the international community in supporting the implementation of this agreement,” he said.
Trump said the deal was already producing visible results, particularly in restoring commercial navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy transit routes.
“The agreement has been finalised, and the strait has already begun reopening. Ships have started moving again, and by Friday, it is expected to be fully operational,” Trump said.