Iran Deal Signed: Oil Flows as Supreme Leader Agrees to Talks

WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States lifted its blockade of Iran on Thursday, allowing oil tankers to move freely through the Strait of Hormuz for the first time in months. The move is part of a tentative agreement to end the war between the two countries. Hours later, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtab Khamenei, endorsed direct talks with U.S. officials. It was his first public reaction to the deal. “Face-to-face negotiations will not mean accepting the enemy’s opinion,” he said in a statement. Khamenei has not been seen in public since he was wounded in a strike at the start of the war. Vice President JD Vance said he may delay a planned trip to Switzerland for a ceremonial signing of the deal. The visit was meant to help start the next round of talks. “I suspect this weekend, but I’m not sure,” Vance told reporters. The uncertain timeline makes it harder for the Trump administration to promote the deal. Some U.S. lawmakers, including Republicans, have criticized it as too favorable to Iran. President Donald Trump signed the pact on Wednesday. He said it would avoid “economic catastrophe” for the U.S. The war had caused oil prices to spike and fueled inflation. The deal extends a ceasefire and gives each side 60 days to negotiate broader agreements, including on Iran’s nuclear program. It also waives U.S. sanctions on Iran, allowing it to sell oil freely. Shipping has resumed. At least two oil tankers carrying Iranian crude crossed the strait without being stopped. Major shipowners, including Grimaldi Group and Cosco, are moving vessels through the waterway again. However, the main route of the strait remains closed due to mines. Ships are using smaller northern and southern routes. The European Union said it will keep its own sanctions on Iran for now. “We are not there yet,” said EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.