The United States military has announced the lifting of its naval blockade of Iranian ports, part of an agreement between the US and Iran to suspend military operations during a period of negotiations.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Thursday that all blockade efforts have ceased, but US forces will remain in the area to ensure compliance with the agreement.

"Today, US forces lifted the blockade on all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports and coastal areas... All US military blockade enforcement efforts have ceased," CENTCOM said in a statement.

Vice President JD Vance stated earlier that 12.5 million barrels of oil passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday as the US Navy permitted "north of a dozen ships" through the blockade.

Traffic through the narrow waterway, a crucial transit hub for global oil and gas supplies, had slowed to a halt during the US-Israel war on Iran, disrupting energy markets and threatening global economic chaos.

The fragile agreement faces numerous obstacles, including Israel's continued occupation of southern Lebanon, Iran's nuclear program, and the future status of the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran plans to charge usage fees.

The Trump administration defended concessions to Iran outlined in a memorandum of understanding, including possible economic relief to help the country recover from the war.

Source: www.aljazeera.com