Iran Reopens Closure of Strait of Hormuz Citing Israeli Strikes in Lebanon
Iran's Revolutionary Guard announced a renewed closure of the Strait of Hormuz, saying it is a response to Israel's continued attacks in southern Lebanon, which Tehran says breach a U.S.-Iran agreement.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy warned vessels to stay away from the Strait of Hormuz, saying any approach would jeopardize security. The announcement came after Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon killed about two dozen people, less than 24 hours after a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah was declared.
Tehran said Israel's actions violate a U.S.-Iran memorandum that calls for an immediate and permanent end to military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon. The Iranian top joint military command described the closure as a first step in response to the breach and indicated that further measures could follow if the attacks continue.
The United States Central Command reported that safe passage through the strait remained intact and that commercial traffic had increased, with 55 merchant vessels transiting on Saturday, though it was unclear whether this reflected conditions before or after Iran's statement.
The closure follows a recent U.S.-Iran agreement aimed at ending hostilities, which includes a commitment to negotiate a final deal within 60 days. Israeli officials have said they will not withdraw forces from Lebanon and maintain that the conflict with Hezbollah is separate from the broader war with Iran. Israel confirmed a ceasefire with Hezbollah took effect on Friday but said its forces would continue to address immediate threats.
Hezbollah accused Israel of repeatedly violating the ceasefire and asserted its right to defend its territory. The U.S. government has criticized Israel's ongoing operations in Lebanon, which escalated after Hezbollah launched rockets in retaliation for earlier U.S.-Israeli strikes.
"Do not approach the Strait of Hormuz; otherwise, your security will be jeopardized," the Revolutionary Guard Navy warned.
Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said Tehran's participation in upcoming talks in Switzerland will focus on demanding that the other side fulfill its commitments.
The strait, a key shipping lane for about 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas, has been intermittently blocked since February, affecting energy markets worldwide.
