The first signs of postwar recovery are emerging across the Middle East after the United States and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the conflict. Oil tankers are once again passing through the Strait of Hormuz, and life is returning to the streets of Tehran.
Here are some images related to the deal:
Strait of Hormuz
The US Navy has ended the blockade of Iranian ports and coastal waters following the signing of a US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding aimed at ending the conflict, and US Central Command announced that all enforcement activities related to the blockade have ceased.
Under the agreement, Iran is required to allow commercial vessels free passage through the Strait of Hormuz for 60 days.
As of Thursday, three Saudi supertankers carrying 6 million barrels of oil had passed through the Strait of Hormuz, according to data from global trade intelligence firm Kpler.
In this photo obtained from Iran’s ISNA news agency on June 18, 2026, ships are seen moored in Bandar Abbas, along the Strait of Hormuz.
Amirhossein Kolgouei | AFP | Getty Images
On June 17, commercial ships and oil tankers continue to wait in the Gulf of Oman as they prepare to transit the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most important strategic waterways for global trade flows.
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Iran after signing the memorandum
Tehran residents are returning to a more normal level of activity.
Tehran’s streets and public squares appeared to be returning to normal on June 18, as hopes for an economic recovery rose following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran.
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The streets and squares reflect Tehran’s sense of normalcy.
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J.D. Vance says the US hasn’t given Iran ‘a dime’
As the deal begins to reshape the situation on the ground, U.S. officials are trying to uphold its terms. Vice President J.D. Vance said Thursday that Iran would receive no direct funding from the United States and that any economic relief would be conditional on Iran fulfilling its commitments under the deal.
U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance speaks at a press conference in the James S. Brady Press Conference Room at the White House in Washington, DC, USA.
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Mr. Vance’s comments came as the White House faces Republican backlash over whether Trump gave too much to Iran in a 14-point memorandum that included sanctions relief, access to frozen funds and a proposed $300 billion recovery plan. “The only way the Iranians will get access to these resources…is if they fully comply with the terms of the agreement.”
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Status of battle between Israel and Lebanon
Israel is not a party to the peace agreement. The country’s conflict with Hezbollah has strained negotiations between the United States and Iran, and recently drew a rebuke from President Trump over its military operations in Lebanon.
After the United States and Iran signed an agreement to end wars in the Middle East, Israeli forces said they would continue operations in southern Lebanon to “eliminate threats” beyond the so-called security zone.
Mahmoud Zaiyat | AFP | Getty Images
