Blockade Ends as Iran's Leader Questions Trump Deal, Calling It Desperate

The US has lifted its naval blockade of Iran after both nations signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at ending the war in the Middle East, with some vessels remaining in the area as talks continue. Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei approved the MoU despite expressing a different view, saying he was assured by President Masoud Pezeshkian that Iran’s rights would be protected. He warned that this cooperation does not mean acceptance of the enemy’s position and described Trump’s push for the deal as coming out of desperation. The agreement centers on 14 core points, including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and a commitment to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, plus a reconstruction fund for Iran (not required of the US). It establishes a 60-day window for a final deal, with remote signing and planned further talks in Switzerland. U.S. officials say technical talks will begin soon, while some Republicans criticized the deal and regional tensions with Israel and Hezbollah continue.