U.S. and Iran Implement Interim Deal as Strait of Hormuz Reopens
The U.S. lifts its naval blockade as the White House submits a formal 60-day negotiation framework to Congress.
The Trump administration has officially moved toward de-escalation with Iran, formalizing an interim agreement that has seen the immediate lifting of the U.S. naval blockade. On June 18, the White House transmitted the agreement text to Congress, confirming a phased end to military operations and the start of a 60-day technical negotiation period focused on Iran’s nuclear program. Pakistan has been identified as a formal witness and mediator to the document, while Qatar has issued a diplomatic endorsement of the framework.
Maritime traffic telah normalized rapidly following the announcement, with CENTCOM reporting that the Strait of Hormuz is once again open to commercial vessels. Early data suggests a significant economic impact, with approximately 12.5 million barrels of oil transiting the strait overnight. Despite the progress, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that the U.S. military remains positioned to resume pressure and reimpose the blockade if Tehran violates the memorandum's terms.
In Tehran, the political response remains mixed. While chief negotiator Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf affirmed that Iran intends to honor the arrangement, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei characterized the deal as a sign of American desperation. The upcoming 60-day window will serve as a critical test for both nations as they seek a final settlement to end the period of heightened military conflict.
Key Points
- The White House formally transmitted the interim agreement text to Congress, outlining a 60-day window for final settlement negotiations.
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that the U.S. is prepared to reimpose an 'ironclad blockade' if Tehran fails to meet its obligations.
- CENTCOM confirmed the lifting of maritime restrictions, with the Strait of Hormuz reopening to commercial traffic and 12.5 million barrels of oil moving overnight.
- Regional partners, including Qatar and Pakistan, have stepped in as mediators and diplomatic endorsers of the de-escalation framework.
- Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei claimed the U.S. acted out of 'desperation,' though Tehran's chief negotiator stated intent to honor the current arrangement.