US lifts Iran blockade ahead of MoU signing
Tehran announced on Tuesday that a two-month US naval blockade of Iranian ports had been lifted ahead of the formal signing of an agreement in Switzerland this Friday aimed at ending the recent Middle East conflict, as the two countries are set to begin two months of negotiations on a final settlement.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi said the removal of the blockade had been a key demand from the outset of negotiations. "The blockade has been lifted prior to the formal signing," he said, signalling a major confidence-building measure before the ceremony at Burgenstock resort overlooking Lake Lucerne.
The agreement follows months of escalating tensions after the conflict triggered by US-Israeli strikes on Iran earlier this year. Under the framework, Washington and Tehran will enter a 60-day negotiation period immediately after Friday's signing, seeking a comprehensive settlement covering Iran's nuclear programme and the lifting of international sanctions.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the forthcoming talks would address the most contentious issues left unresolved by the interim understanding. "In the final agreement, decisions will be made on the nuclear issues and the lifting of sanctions," he said.
The prospect of a diplomatic breakthrough has already eased concerns in global energy markets. Expectations that shipping through the Strait of Hormuz will fully resume by the end of the week sent oil prices sharply lower, with Brent crude falling below $79 a barrel and US benchmark West Texas Intermediate dropping below $76.
Iranian state media reported that oil tankers had resumed operations, while US President Donald Trump said vessels carrying oil were once again moving through the strategically vital waterway. Despite the optimism, however, fresh violence in Lebanon underscored the fragility of the emerging peace process.
Lebanese authorities said Israeli drone strikes in southern Lebanon killed four people on Tuesday, while the Israeli military said it had targeted a "suspicious vehicle" near its troops and later struck a rocket launcher after intercepting projectiles fired toward Israeli forces.
The incidents prompted a sharp reaction from Tehran. Iran's military command warned that Israel should expect a "harsh response" if attacks in southern Lebanon continued, accusing Israel of repeatedly violating ceasefire arrangements linked to the broader regional agreement.
Araghchi also said any continued Israeli military presence in Lebanese territory would, from Iran's perspective, constitute a violation of the understanding reached to end hostilities.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem praised Iran's negotiators for helping secure an end to "Israeli-American aggression" against Lebanon. In a message to Iranian parliament speaker and chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Qassem expressed gratitude for efforts that helped bring military operations to a halt across multiple fronts, including Lebanon.
Analysts caution that Lebanon remains the most significant challenge to the success of the upcoming negotiations. While indirect diplomacy and mediation efforts helped create momentum for the current agreement, disputes over Iran's nuclear programme, sanctions relief and regional security issues remain unresolved.
Both sides have nevertheless presented Friday's signing as a critical first step toward a broader settlement. The agreement is expected to open a new chapter in US-Iran relations, even as officials acknowledge that major obstacles remain before a lasting peace can be secured.