Tehran, Iran – Web Desk: Iran shuts Strait of Hormuz again, citing alleged agreement violations and regional security concerns.
Iran has announced the full closure of the Strait of Hormuz, accusing the United States of violating commitments under a recent memorandum of understanding and citing continued Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon as a key factor behind the decision.
In a statement broadcast on Iranian state television, a spokesperson for the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters said the strategically vital waterway was being closed immediately to all maritime traffic.
The spokesperson claimed that Washington had failed to fulfill its obligations under the memorandum while Israeli military actions in Lebanon continued despite diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing regional tensions.
“The closure of the Strait of Hormuz is the first response to the other side’s failure to honor its commitments,” the spokesperson said, warning that additional measures could follow if what Iran described as aggression continues.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) later issued a separate statement confirming that the Strait of Hormuz had been fully closed since Saturday morning.
According to Iran’s Fars News Agency, a military source confirmed that the strategic shipping route had been shut to all forms of maritime traffic, including commercial and energy shipments.
The IRGC said the move was a response to what it described as violations of ceasefire-related commitments by the United States and ongoing Israeli strikes in Lebanon.
Iranian authorities also issued a warning to commercial vessels, oil tankers and other ships, urging them to avoid approaching the Strait of Hormuz due to potential security risks.
Officials did not specify how long the closure would remain in effect. However, reports indicate that an Iranian delegation has already departed for Switzerland for talks with US representatives aimed at addressing ongoing disputes and regional tensions.
US President Donald Trump’s adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner is already in Switzerland, while Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff is also expected to participate in diplomatic discussions, according to reports.
The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy corridors, had previously reopened following the signing of a memorandum involving the United States, Iran and Pakistan. The reopening had contributed to a sharp decline in global oil prices amid expectations of reduced tensions in the region.
Global markets and energy traders are closely monitoring developments as uncertainty surrounding one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes raises concerns over energy supplies and regional stability.
