Iran approves US-backed agreement ending naval blockade, as both countries begin 60-day negotiations over nuclear issues.

The United States has formally lifted its naval blockade of Iran following the implementation of a new agreement between Washington and Tehran aimed at ending months of regional conflict and opening a fresh round of nuclear negotiations.

US Central Command confirmed the move on Thursday, saying the blockade had been lifted “in accordance with the President’s direction,” while noting that some American naval assets would remain in the region.

The development came shortly after Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, publicly endorsed the agreement, despite indicating that he had reservations about its terms. Khamenei said he approved the deal after receiving assurances from President Masoud Pezeshkian that Iran’s national interests and rights would be protected.

Speaking in his first public remarks on the agreement, Khamenei accused US President Donald Trump of using extensive pressure tactics to secure the deal.

“Out of desperation, he used all kinds of leverage,” Khamenei said, while stressing that future direct negotiations with Washington would not amount to acceptance of the American position on key issues.

The agreement, structured as a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), contains 14 core provisions and establishes a 60-day framework for negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions, and broader security issues. It also provides for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy shipping route, and includes plans for a $300 billion reconstruction and economic development fund for Iran.

Although a formal signing ceremony had been scheduled for Friday in Switzerland, officials later confirmed that the agreement had already been signed remotely. Representatives from both countries are still expected to meet in Switzerland for technical discussions.

US Vice President JD Vance told reporters that the agreement had officially entered into force, triggering the countdown to further negotiations. He said Washington was preparing for technical talks with Iranian officials but declined to provide a timeline for his travel.

The White House said it was looking forward to beginning discussions as soon as possible.

Under the agreement, Iran is expected to address concerns surrounding its enriched uranium stockpile and provide assurances regarding its future nuclear activities. Vance said Tehran would not receive financial benefits or sanctions relief unless it fulfilled obligations outlined in the deal.

The vice president also defended the agreement against criticism from some Republicans, who argue that the deal does not sufficiently restrict Iran’s nuclear ambitions and could embolden Tehran.

Republican Senator Bill Cassidy described the agreement as “the worst foreign policy blunder in decades,” claiming Iran had learned that threatening the Strait of Hormuz could produce concessions from the international community.

Vance rejected the criticism, insisting that the agreement represented a practical pathway toward regional stability and nuclear restraint.

The deal has also generated concern within Israel, where several senior officials have criticised its provisions. Vance responded by urging Israeli leaders to support the diplomatic process, arguing that military action alone could not resolve the region’s security challenges.

Despite the agreement, tensions remain high. Israeli and Hezbollah forces have continued exchanging strikes in recent days, with reports of casualties in Lebanon. Israel has maintained that its conflict with Hezbollah is separate from its dispute with Iran, while Hezbollah has rejected the terms of the US-Iran agreement.

Observers say the coming 60 days will be crucial in determining whether both sides can bridge longstanding differences over Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions relief, and regional security issues. (Arise News)

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