Dhaka, June 19 -- The United States has lifted its naval blockade of Iran after both sides signed a deal to end the war in West Asia, the BBC reports.

US Central Command confirmed on X that the blockade had been withdrawn "in accordance with the President's direction", while some vessels would stay in the general area, the British broadcaster said.

Soon after, Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said he had approved the agreement despite holding a "different view", without elaborating.

He said he agreed to move ahead after receiving assurances from President Masoud Pezeshkian that the rights of the Iranian nation would be protected.

Mojtaba said US President Donald Trump had used "all kinds of leverage" out of desperation to force ...