US naval blockade of Iranian ports continues despite Trump pledge

Blockade remains in place

Tasnim news agency reported on Saturday that the US naval blockade of Iranian ports remains in effect, citing Iranian seafarers who said vessels continue to receive stop warnings from US Central Command. "The naval blockade is still in place and ships are receiving stop warnings and denial of passage from CENTCOM," the seafarers told the semi-official outlet.

Tehran accuses Washington of betrayal

Mohsen Rezaei, a top military advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, accused Washington of betraying diplomatic efforts. Writing on the social media platform X, Rezaei stated that the US president has betrayed diplomacy for the third time by maintaining the naval blockade while making excessive demands in negotiations. "He has further proven that he is not willing to engage in talks and is pursuing other objectives," Rezaei added.

Trump announced lifting of restrictions

US President Donald Trump stated on Friday that Washington would lift its naval blockade on vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports, a move he announced on his Truth Social platform. Trump said Iran would be required to remove any remaining mines in the Strait of Hormuz before restrictions are fully eased. "Ships caught in the Strait due to our amazing and unprecedented Naval Blockade, which will now be lifted, may start the process of 'heading home,'" he wrote.

Regional tensions persist

Regional tensions have escalated since Washington and Tel Aviv launched strikes against Iran in February, prompting Tehran to retaliate against Israel and US allies in the Gulf while closing the Strait of Hormuz. A ceasefire took effect on April 8 through Pakistani mediation and was later extended indefinitely by Trump. The US imposed the port blockade on April 13 following stalled negotiations mediated by Islamabad, with efforts continuing to end the conflict between the parties.