In a significant de-escalation, former President Donald Trump announced that Iran has agreed to allow permanent nuclear inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency. In exchange, the United States will keep the Strait of Hormuz open and lift its naval blockade.
The announcement follows a memorandum of understanding signed on June 17, 2026, aimed at reducing tensions. The U.S. Central Command officially ended the blockade on June 18, clearing the way for Iranian crude oil exports to resume.
While Iran retains its right to civilian nuclear enrichment under international treaties, the inspection agreement addresses critical issues as a June 30 deadline approaches.