Iranian ships cross US blockade for first time after ceasefire deal

Several Iranian oil tankers and cargo vessels crossed the United States naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday without obstruction for the first time since the two nations agreed to end hostilities, according to Iran's Fars News Agency. At least three oil tankers and two cargo ships carrying essential goods broke through the naval cordon following the memorandum of understanding reached between the capitals. A very large crude carrier — known as a VLCC — and another vessel transporting livestock moved from open waters toward Iranian ports, the agency reported.

Another Iranian tanker carrying oil crossed the Gulf of Oman toward its designated export port, Fars said, without providing further details about the final destination. The movements mark the first test of the maritime provisions outlined in the ceasefire accord brokered by Islamabad. Commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz had been severely restricted since the conflict began.

War Cessation Agreement

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced early Monday that the United States and Iran had reached a comprehensive agreement to halt military operations across all theaters. The deal includes an immediate and permanent cessation of hostilities in Lebanon and other fronts, Sharif said, noting that intensive negotiations had produced the breakthrough.

The formal signing of the accord is scheduled to take place in Switzerland on Friday. Pakistani diplomatic sources confirmed that delegations from Washington and Tehran are expected to finalize the terms at the ceremony. The maritime breakthrough on Tuesday signals a tentative return to normal commercial traffic through the strategic waterway.