US lifts naval blockade as Iran's supreme leader says Trump made deal 'out of desperation'

The United States has lifted its naval blockade against Iran, marking a significant shift in U.S.-Iran relations. This move follows a newly agreed-upon deal that aims to ease tensions in the region. The U.S. Central Command confirmed the end of the blockade via social media, stating that it was done according to the president’s orders. Some American naval vessels will continue to stay in the general area, though the specifics of their presence remain unclear.

Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, expressed his views on the situation, indicating that he had approved the deal with the U.S., even though he personally held differing opinions. Khamenei stated that he allowed the agreement to proceed based on assurances from Iran's current president, Masoud Pezeshkian, who promised to safeguard the interests of the Iranian people. According to Khamenei, former U.S. President Donald Trump had resorted to using various forms of pressure due to desperation to secure the deal.

Despite the agreement, Khamenei emphasized that future in-person negotiations between Iran and the U.S. would not equate to accepting the opposing side's stance. This is the first time Khamenei has publicly addressed the agreement. Since taking office in March, he has remained largely out of the public eye, following the death of his predecessor, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, during the February 28 attacks by the U.S. and Israel on Iran, which ignited a broader conflict in the region.

President Trump did not directly comment on Khamenei's remarks but shared on his platform, Truth Social, that he anticipates a ceasefire to be implemented across all fronts, including the conflict involving Israel and Iran-supported Hezbollah in Lebanon. He also expressed hope that nations within the Middle East would uphold their commitments to facilitate ongoing negotiations.

The U.S.-Iran deal encompasses 14 main points, such as the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a stipulation that Iran must not possess a nuclear weapon, and a pledge to establish a $300 billion fund aimed at the reconstruction and economic growth of Iran. Although the U.S. is not obligated to provide financial support, the agreement obliges both parties to reach a final accord within a maximum of 60 days, which can be prolonged with mutual agreement.

Originally scheduled for an official signing ceremony in Switzerland on Friday, the event was reportedly called off by mediator Pakistan, citing that the deal had already been signed electronically. Nevertheless, representatives from both the U.S. and Iran are anticipated to convene in Switzerland for additional discussions.

At a press conference at the White House, U.S. Vice President JD Vance announced that the deal has taken effect, initiating the 60-day period for further talks. He mentioned his intention to travel to Switzerland for technical negotiations but refrained from specifying the timing, noting the difficulty of arranging meetings with Iran.

Vance faced criticism from certain segments of the U.S. population regarding the deal, particularly concerning the inclusion of a reconstruction fund for Iran. Republican Senator Bill Cassidy criticized the agreement as one of the worst foreign policy missteps in recent history, arguing that Iran's nuclear aspirations were not effectively restrained and that the country had demonstrated the effectiveness of threatening the Strait of Hormuz.

Vance defended the deal, asserting that Iran would not receive funds or relief from sanctions unless it fulfills the conditions outlined in the agreement. The deal, referred to as a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), mandates that Iran dismantle its inventory of enriched uranium and demonstrate that it will not sponsor proxy forces in the region.

Additionally, Vance criticized members of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet for their criticisms of the Iran deal, suggesting they should recognize the importance of maintaining strong alliances. In an interview with the New York Times, Vance specifically named Israel's national security minister Itamar Ben Gvir and finance minister Bezalel Smotrich as critics of the deal, challenging them to present alternative proposals.