U.S. lifts blockade of Iran and Iranian supreme leader endorses direct talks

Key Points:

• The U.S. lifted its blockade of Iran, allowing oil tankers to freely pass through the Strait of Hormuz after months of restrictions, following a tentative agreement to end the war between the two countries.
• Vice President JD Vance announced a possible postponement of his planned trip to Switzerland for the ceremonial signing of the deal, creating uncertainty around the timeline and complicating promotion of the agreement.
• Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei endorsed direct negotiations with the U.S., emphasizing that future talks would not mean accepting the enemy’s opinions, marking his first public reaction since being wounded early in the conflict.
• The agreement calls for a permanent ceasefire and a 60-day negotiation period on Iran’s nuclear program, with immediate lifting of U.S.-backed sanctions allowing Iran to sell oil freely, though the EU has kept its sanctions in place for now.
• Shipping activity in the Strait of Hormuz resumed, with major shipowners moving vessels after 110 days of disruption, though some routes remain closed due to mines, and U.S. warships will continue monitoring compliance with the deal.