Trump says ships ‘starting to move’ through Strait of Hormuz

US military advisory says Iran-ports" class="entity-link entity-topic" data-entity-id="146858" data-entity-type="topic">naval blockade of Iran ports to remain until Iran-initial-deal-signing" class="entity-link entity-event" data-entity-id="146857" data-entity-type="event">US-Iran initial deal signing on Friday.United States President Donald Trump says “ships are starting to move” through the Strait of Hormuz.The statement on Monday came after both the US and Iran announced plans to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at ending the Iran" class="entity-link entity-event" data-entity-id="39146" data-entity-type="event">US-Israeli war with Iran on Friday.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3US and Iran announce ‘understanding’ to end the warlist 2 of 3What still needs to be negotiated in US-Iran ‘peace deal’?list 3 of 3Trump hails MoU with Iran despite misgivings from some Republicansend of listWhile no official text of that agreement has been released, both sides have said the initial deal would see the Strait of Hormuz open, the US naval blockade on Iranian ports lifted, and fighting halted on all fronts.More entrenched issues, including the future of Iran’s nuclear programme, its support for proxies in the region, the unfreezing of Iranian assets, and the lifting of sanctions were expected to be addressed during a 60-day negotiation period.“Ships are starting to move, many loaded up with Oil, out of the Strait of Hormuz,” Trump wrote.“They are going along the Southern ‘Highway,’ which is totally safe, secure, and pristine,” Trump added, referring to a shipping route in the strait that traverses Oman’s territorial waters.The route has been a concern due to maritime mines.“There are other areas of travel, also!!!” Trump said.Meanwhile, a US military advisory released on Monday said the ongoing US naval blockade of Iran’s ports would remain in effect until the signing ceremony planned for Friday, according to Reuters news agency.“A military blockade ⁠of Iranian ⁠ports remains in effect restricting all traffic ⁠inbound and outbound ⁠from these ⁠ports,” the advisory said.“Do not attempt to ‌cross until explicit direction is ‌given.”