WASHINGTON — The Trump administration announced Tuesday it would waive enforcement of the century-old Jones Act for two months, permitting foreign vessels to transport goods between US ports as the ongoing Iran conflict strains domestic shipping capacity.

The emergency suspension marks only the fourth time since 2000 that presidents have invoked wartime powers to override the 1920 maritime law, which typically restricts coastal shipping to American-built, American-owned, and American-crewed vessels. Defense Secretary Mike Waltz cited "extraordinary circumstances" created by naval deployments and commercial shipping disruptions in the Persian Gulf.

"Our domestic fleet is stretched thin supporting military operations while maintaining critical supply chains," said Maritime Administration chief Rebecca Chen. The decision follows weeks of port congestion and delivery delays as American shipping companies redirect vessels to support the war effort. Industry analysts estimate that foreign participation could increase available cargo capacity by 40 percent during the waiver period.

The Jones Act suspension has drawn sharp criticism from American maritime unions and shipbuilders who argue the measure undermines domestic industry protections. "This sets a dangerous precedent that foreign competitors will exploit," warned International Longshore and Warehouse Union president Maria Santos. However, major retailers and manufacturers have welcomed the move, with supply chain experts predicting it will ease pressure on consumer goods and military procurement networks already strained by the Iran crisis.