According to a joint report by CNN and Iranian media, on the evening of June 18 local time, Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, issued a statement regarding the Memorandum of Understanding between Iran and the United States. He stated that future face-to-face negotiations would never mean accepting the will of the "enemy." Khamenei said that the U.S. had resorted to various means of pressure and bargaining tactics in order to achieve this outcome, out of sheer desperation.
On the 18th, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council issued a statement stating that no fees would be charged for ships navigating through the Strait of Hormuz within 60 days.
Iran Shipping Association officials said that starting from the 16th, the passage of merchant ships to southern Iranian ports has returned to normal. So far, three ships carrying basic supplies and food have arrived at the ports, while two ships exporting crude oil have departed.
The United States Central Command issued a statement on the 18th, stating that the US military's blockade operations have been terminated, and the blockade against all ships entering or leaving Iranian ports and coastal areas has been lifted. The US side also indicated that US military ships will remain in the region to ensure compliance with the terms of the agreement.
U.S. President Donald Trump posted a statement on social media on the 18th, stating that the United States is committed to peace and calling on all parties in the Middle East to continue fulfilling their commitments to ensure the smooth progress of current negotiations. He said that the U.S. expects "a complete ceasefire on all fronts."
Trump also mentioned that the market responded positively to the current situation, with oil prices falling significantly and stocks markets rising across the board.
According to Reuters, European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Westerno said in Brussels on the 18th that if an agreement is reached on the Iranian nuclear issue, EU member states could discuss lifting sanctions against Iran. However, 'that stage has not yet been reached.'
