A senior Iranian diplomat stated on Tuesday (June 16) that the two-month-long US naval blockade imposed on Iranian ports and vessels has been lifted, ahead of the formal signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two nations scheduled for Friday.

According to the Iranian government’s website, Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi announced, "We had emphasized the withdrawal of the blockade from the very beginning. It has now commenced, and the blockade has been lifted prior to the official signing."

On Sunday, US President Donald Trump stated on his "Truth Social" platform that he was authorizing the immediate lifting of the naval blockade.

However, the Joint Maritime Information Center—a multinational naval operation agency that includes the US military—stated on Monday that the blockade would remain in place until Friday "pending the implementation" of the ceasefire.

Earlier, Trump disclosed that the MoU to end hostilities with Iran has already been initialed, with the formal signing ceremony set to take place this Friday in Geneva.

On February 28, a joint US-Israeli military campaign launched strikes on Iran.

In retaliation, Tehran targeted US military installations in the Middle East and struck Israel, subsequently shutting down the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

In response, the United States enforced a naval blockade on Iranian ports and shipping.
Source: Geo News