The level of maritime threat in the Straits of Hormuz was downgraded to "moderate" following the US-Iran agreement

In degradation of the maritime threat level in the Straits of Ormuz from "critical" to "moderate" the British Maritime Commercial Operations Agency (UKMTO) proceeded, following the agreement between the United States and Iran on the reopening of the maritime route strategy. At the same time, Washington informed top American MPs of the content of the agreement, which still causes reactions to Congress.

The British Maritime Commercial Operations Agency (UKMTO) announced that the level of maritime threat in the Straits of Hormuz was downgraded to "moderate", following the announcement of the agreement between the United States and Iran on the reopening of the critical sea corridor.

The threat in the region had previously been described as "critical" because of military operations in progress in the wider region.

JMIC Advisory Note 009-26 (SoH open)

Click here to view the full advisory note https://t.co/yzSYJA4lK7#MaritimeSecurity #MarSec pic.twitter. com/Aw70M9AMgs— UKMTO Operations Centre (@UK MTO) June 18, 2026

UKMTO, which operates under the Royal Navy of the United Kingdom and provides maritime safety information, said the situation shows signs of de-escalation, but the risks have not been eliminated.

Warning of mines and increased naval presence
In a relevant directive adopted on Thursday, the service called on the mariners to remain on alert.

‘Navies should be aware of the existence of mines and expect an increased naval presence, as clearing operations continue,’ UKMTO noted.

At the same time, he warned that congestion on sea crossing routes is expected, as warships remain in the area to ensure the smooth and safe flow of navigation.

US lifts naval blockade of Iranian ports
This development comes a few hours after the US Army announced that the naval blockade of Iranian ports, which had been in force since April, is lifted.

The decision is part of the implementation of the agreement signed between Washington and Tehran to end the conflict and gradually restore navigation and trade in the region.

Update of Congress by the White House
At the same time, the White House held a closed briefing to top Senate and House of Representatives officials on the agreement with Iran.

According to a source who is aware of the process, the teleconference involved the leaderships of the two bodies, as well as the heads of the Senate and Parliament Committees on Foreign Affairs.

This is the first extensive briefing the US government has provided to legislators on the details of the pact signed by President Donald Trump earlier this week.

The next negotiations on a permanent truce
During the briefing, senior government officials presented the key points of the agreement, answered questions from MPs and senators and presented the next stage of the talks.

Negotiations are expected to continue over the next 60 days, with a view to achieving a permanent truce and a comprehensive settlement of outstanding issues between the United States and Iran.

Reactions to Congress on the Agreement
The briefing took place amid increasing criticisms in the American Congress of the agreement.

Among critics are Republican MPs and senators, who question whether Washington secured sufficient concessions from Tehran after nearly four months of war.

These reactions are expected to intensify in the coming period, as the US government is attempting to secure political support for the continuation of the diplomatic process.