The United States is maintaining its blockade of Iranian ports despite announcing a preliminary ceasefire agreement with Tehran, signaling that significant hurdles remain before maritime traffic can fully resume in the Persian Gulf region.
According to a U.S. military advisory issued Monday and reported by Reuters, “A military blockade of Iranian ports remains in effect restricting all traffic inbound and outbound from these ports.” The notice added a clear warning to commercial shipping operators: “Do not attempt to cross until explicit direction is given.”
The advisory also urged ship captains to consider “the health and safety of their crews,” cautioning that failure to comply with military instructions “may result in rapid escalation to disabling or destructive fire.”
The continued blockade comes one day after President Donald Trump announced that the United States and Iran had reached a preliminary agreement aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes. Trump declared that passage through the strategic waterway would be “permanently toll free” and that “ships are starting to move” through the strait.
The president unveiled the agreement on Sunday, coinciding with his 80th birthday celebrations and several UFC fights hosted on the White House lawn. Trump characterized the arrangement as a final deal, but administration officials later clarified that additional negotiations are still required.
Senior U.S. officials told reporters Monday that Trump and Vice President JD Vance electronically signed a memorandum of understanding with Iran on Sunday. Details of the agreement are expected to be released Tuesday or Wednesday.
However, officials emphasized that the memorandum represents only the beginning of a broader peace process. “Real technical discussions” led by Vance are expected later this week, with a formal document anticipated to be physically signed Friday in Geneva.
The conflict has effectively disrupted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz since the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran began in late February. In response, Washington imposed a blockade on Iranian ports and has reportedly disabled several vessels accused of attempting to bypass restrictions.
While the emerging agreement could help ease pressure on global energy markets by reopening the strait, negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program remain unresolved. That issue, which officials say helped trigger the conflict, will be the focus of further discussions during a 60-day negotiation period.
.jpg)
