Iran's supreme leader gave final ratification to the U.S.-Iran war-ending memorandum, Huanqiu reported on the 18th. Saying he 'approves the arrangements despite differences,' he greenlit implementation; the U.S. military announced the same day it was lifting its naval blockade of Iran.

What lifting the blockade means

The lifting of the blockade is the first sign the accord is moving from paper to action. With it removed, commercial shipping and energy transport through the Gulf can return to normal, directly affecting oil prices and marine insurance costs.

Earlier, President Trump said he 'expects a full ceasefire to be realized on all fronts.' After the Pakistan-brokered truce was elevated to a formal accord, ratification by the supreme leader completed Iran's internal process.

Remaining hurdles: verification and the fund

Even ratified, disposal of highly enriched uranium, a verifiable freeze, and the ballistic-missile issue were deferred to technical talks. The large reconstruction fund will form only after final signing. The pace of implementation and credibility of verification will determine the accord's lifespan.

China's foreign ministry said at its daily briefing it supports peace and stability in the Middle East and Gulf, reaffirming the China-Iran comprehensive strategic partnership. As major powers welcome the deal, diplomatic momentum is building.

A third perspective

Iranian state media frame ratification as a 'fruit of resistance,' while parts of the U.S. Congress and Israel warn of an unverified deal. European diplomats hold that without a measurable freeze, the accord could unravel. This paper lays out each view side by side.

The ripple reaches the Korean Peninsula and East Asia: lower Middle East risk can steady oil and shipping—a direct variable for import-dependent Korea and the cost base of Chinese-run businesses there.