US Lifts Naval Blockade After Iran Deal; Supreme Leader Calls Trump’s Move ‘Desperation’

## Blockade Ends US Central Command announced on X that the naval blockade of Iran has been lifted “in accordance with the President’s direction.” While the blockade is over, the statement noted that a number of US vessels will remain in the general area.

## Supreme Leader’s Reaction Soon after the announcement, Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said he had approved the deal despite holding a “different view.” He did not elaborate on his reservations but explained that he moved forward after receiving assurances from Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian that the nation’s rights would be protected. Khamenei characterized President Donald Trump as having acted “out of desperation, using all kinds of leverage” to secure the agreement.

Khamenei added that future in‑person negotiations between Tehran and Washington are expected, but stressed that these talks “will not mean acceptance of the enemy’s position.” This marks the first public response from the Supreme Leader since he assumed office in March after the killing of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in the 28 February US‑Israeli strikes that ignited the regional war.

## Details of the US‑Iran Deal The memorandum of understanding (MoU) contains 14 core points, including: - Reopening the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping. - A binding commitment that Iran will never acquire a nuclear weapon. - Creation of a $300 billion (£227 billion) fund for Iran’s reconstruction and economic development – a fund the US is not required to finance. - A requirement that Iran destroy its stockpile of enriched uranium and stop funding proxy groups in the region.

The agreement also triggers a 60‑day period for both sides to negotiate a final settlement, which can be extended by mutual consent.

## Signing and Immediate Diplomatic Moves The formal signing ceremony was scheduled for Friday in Switzerland, but Pakistan’s mediation team told the BBC the event was cancelled because the deal had already been signed remotely. US and Iranian delegations are still expected to meet in Switzerland for “technical negotiations.”

A White House spokesperson confirmed on Thursday evening that Vice President JD Vance would not depart that night. In a briefing, Vance said the MoU had taken effect, initiating the 60‑day window, and that he would likely travel to Switzerland for technical talks, though he did not specify a date. The administration reiterated its eagerness to begin those talks “as soon as possible.”

## Political Reactions in Washington The decision to end the conflict with Iran has sparked criticism from some Republicans. Senator Bill Cassidy called the agreement “the worst foreign‑policy blunder in decades,” arguing that Iran’s nuclear ambitions remain unchecked and that threatening the Strait of Hormuz has proven effective.

Vice President Vance defended the deal, emphasizing that Iran will not receive money or sanctions relief unless it fulfills its obligations under the MoU. He also rebuked members of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet—specifically National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich—for their criticism, urging them to present concrete proposals instead of “killing their way out of every security problem.”

## Israeli and Hezbollah Responses Prime Minister Netanyahu stressed the importance of maintaining close US‑Israel ties, noting that Washington had stood “shoulder to shoulder” with Israel during the war with Iran. Nonetheless, both Israel and Hezbollah have continued strikes against each other since the agreement was announced, including a Thursday strike in Lebanon that killed three people. Hezbollah has publicly rejected the terms of the US‑Iran deal.

Vice President Vance told reporters that Israel must respect the emerging peace process with Iran, describing attacks in Beirut that kill civilians as “not acceptable.”