US, Iran begin implementing MOU; US lifts maritime blockade, Iran allows Hormuz passage

The United States and Iran have officially commenced the implementation of a prior memorandum of understanding, marking a significant shift in maritime access through the critical Strait of Hormuz. U.S. Vice President JD Vance announced the start of a 60-day negotiation period, stating that "the 60-day negotiation period officially begins today." He reiterated the U.S. position that the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for oil and gas transport, must remain open without tolls.

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The 60-day negotiation period officially begins today.

The U.S. Central Command confirmed the lifting of maritime blockades against Iran, though U.S. warships will remain in the area to monitor compliance. Vance highlighted that over 12.5 million barrels of oil passed through the Strait in the preceding 24 hours, noting Iran's continued non-aggression against merchant vessels for two consecutive days. At least two oil tankers carrying 3.8 million barrels of Iranian crude reportedly passed through the strait without U.S. interference.

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the Strait of Hormuz must remain open for free passage of oil and gas.

However, the full normalization of the Strait of Hormuz is expected to take time. Iran has agreed not to collect tolls for 60 days but maintains that passage must be coordinated and approved by a new Iranian body. Subsequent negotiation schedules also remain fluid. An initially planned signing ceremony and technical talks in Switzerland, hosted by Pakistan, were canceled as the agreement was already signed. Vance indicated he still plans to travel to Switzerland, possibly this weekend, but the exact timing is uncertain.

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the United States is not giving a single cent to Iran.

Vance strongly refuted criticisms that the agreement constitutes a unilateral concession to Iran, asserting that "the United States is not giving a single cent to Iran." He stressed that Iran must fully implement the agreement's conditions and change its behavior to receive economic benefits. He also issued a rare, strong warning to Israel, advising Israeli cabinet members criticizing the MOU, "If I were in the Israeli cabinet, I would not attack the only strong ally left in the world." Vance reminded Israel that "Donald Trump is the only head of state in the world sympathetic to Israel right now, and he is the head of state of a world superpower." He pointed out that "two-thirds of the weapons that defended Israeli territory in the last three months were made by American hands and paid for by American taxpayers."

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If I were in the Israeli cabinet, I would not attack the only strong ally left in the world.