The US has formally lifted its naval blockade of Iran following a breakthrough agreement between Washington and Tehran aimed at ending months of military confrontation in the Middle East. The move is expected to ease tensions in one of the world's most strategically important regions, reopen critical shipping routes and pave the way for broader diplomatic engagement.
The agreement marks the most significant easing of hostilities between the two countries in years and could have far-reaching implications for global energy markets, regional security and international trade.
Iran's supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei publicly backed the deal, saying he had approved it after receiving assurances that Iran's sovereignty and national interests would be protected.
While expressing reservations about some elements of the agreement, Khamenei indicated that Iran was prepared to continue diplomatic engagement with Washington. He also stressed that future negotiations would not signify acceptance of US positions on key issues.
The statement carries particular significance as it is Khamenei's first major public intervention on relations with the US since assuming leadership following the death of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during the February US-Israeli military strikes.
The 14-point memorandum is designed as a framework for reducing tensions and negotiating a broader settlement.
Key provisions include:
Reopening the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping
Iran's commitment not to pursue nuclear weapons
Creation of a $300 billion reconstruction and economic development framework for Iran
Completion of a comprehensive agreement within 60 days
Option to extend negotiations through mutual consent
Although the economic development fund forms part of the framework, Washington has not committed to direct financial contributions.
The agreement was originally expected to be signed during talks in Switzerland. However, mediators later confirmed that both governments had already endorsed the document remotely.
Officials from both countries are nevertheless expected to meet in Switzerland in the coming weeks to begin technical negotiations and discuss implementation measures.
The agreement has already taken effect, triggering the 60-day negotiation timetable.
The deal has generated criticism from sections of the US political establishment, particularly among Republican lawmakers.
Opponents argue that the agreement provides excessive concessions to Tehran while failing to place sufficiently strict limits on Iran's nuclear capabilities. Some have also warned that the arrangement could encourage future geopolitical pressure linked to the Strait of Hormuz.
The Trump administration has defended the agreement, insisting that Iran will receive no economic benefits unless it fully complies with its commitments. Washington also expects Tehran to dismantle its enriched uranium stockpile and demonstrate that it has ended support for armed proxy groups in the region.
Despite the diplomatic breakthrough, tensions across the Middle East remain elevated.
Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement have continued exchanging attacks, including strikes in Lebanon that reportedly resulted in civilian casualties. Hezbollah has rejected the US-Iran agreement, while Israel maintains that its confrontation with the Lebanese group is separate from the conflict involving Iran.
At the same time, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reaffirmed the importance of close strategic coordination with Washington.
The coming weeks are expected to determine whether the agreement develops into a broader regional peace framework or serves only as a temporary pause in a conflict that has destabilised the Middle East and disrupted global trade routes.
For now, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the suspension of direct hostilities offer a rare opportunity for diplomacy in a region long shaped by confrontation and uncertainty.
