The United States has formally lifted its naval blockade on Iranian ports as part of the interim agreement aimed at ending the war with Iran, Vice President JD Vance said Thursday, as the Pentagon confirmed the move while maintaining a military presence in the region.

Speaking at a White House briefing, Vance said more than a dozen ships had been allowed to pass through the blockade and that a record volume of oil since the conflict began was now moving through the Strait of Hormuz.

According to Vance, about 12.5 million barrels of oil transited the strategic waterway on Wednesday, signalling a significant resumption of maritime trade following the agreement.

The development came after President Donald Trump signed an interim agreement with Iran that calls for Tehran to dilute its stockpile of highly enriched uranium and includes a waiver of US-backed sanctions, allowing Iran to resume unrestricted oil exports.

Separately, US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that the US military had officially lifted the blockade on Iranian shipping.

In a statement posted on social media, CENTCOM said US Navy vessels would, however, remain in the region to ensure all terms of the agreement are fully implemented and observed.

The US Navy currently has more than a dozen vessels, including two aircraft carriers, deployed in waters near Iran.

Meanwhile, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a six-month Pentagon review of American military deployments in Europe, saying the future size and role of US forces would depend on how quickly NATO allies assume greater responsibility for their own security.

Hegseth also criticised European NATO members, urging them to increase their contribution to the alliance's collective defence.