US Lifts Naval Blockade on Iran After War Deal; Khamenei Says Trump Acted Out of Desperation

The United States has lifted its naval blockade of Iran, a move confirmed by the U.S. Central Command on X, stating it was "in accordance with the President's directive." While some U.S. vessels will remain in the "wider area," the blockade's end signals a significant shift following a reported deal to conclude the Middle East war.

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in accordance with the President's directive

Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei announced his approval of the agreement, though he noted he had "a different stance" without elaborating. He stated he permitted the deal after Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian assured him it would "protect the rights of the Iranian people." Khamenei also asserted that U.S. President Donald Trump "used all kinds of leverage out of desperation" to reach the agreement. He cautioned that while direct negotiations between Tehran and Washington will occur, Iran would not "accept the enemy's positions."

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a different stance

The agreement, signed separately by Trump and Pezeshkian on Wednesday evening despite initial plans for a Friday signing, reportedly includes opening the Strait of Hormuz and substantial financial relief for Iran. In return, Iran has agreed to dilute its enriched uranium and refrain from expanding its nuclear program. This marks Khamenei's first public response since becoming Supreme Leader in March, following the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a U.S.-Israeli attack on February 28.

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protect the rights of the Iranian people

Direct talks between the U.S. and Iran, initially scheduled for Bürgenstock, Switzerland, were canceled. White House spokesperson J.D. Vance, the U.S. Vice President, canceled his planned trip to Switzerland where he was to meet Iranian negotiators to begin discussions on implementing the accord. The agreement obliges both sides to reach a final resolution within 60 days, with the possibility of extension by mutual consent. Pakistani mediators told the BBC that the formal signing ceremony in Switzerland was canceled because the agreement had already been signed remotely.

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used all kinds of leverage out of desperation