US military says it has lifted naval blockade of Iranian ports
The United States military says that it has lifted its naval blockade of Iranian ports, part of an agreement between the US and Iran suspending military operations during a period of negotiations, Al Jazeera reports.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Thursday that all US blockade efforts have ceased but that its forces will remain in the area to ensure compliance with the agreement.
“Our great Naval Ships will remain in the general area to make sure that all aspects of the agreement are adhered to, obeyed and in full force and effect.”
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council said in a statement on Thursday that the country’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority would facilitate the speedy authorisation of ships seeking to pass through the strait and that measures would be taken to clear mines laid in the waterway during the war.
Iranian state TV quoted the statement saying that “no fees whatsoever” would be collected during a 60-day negotiation period, but that ships hoping to pass through the strait “must submit their request” to a new government body.
