Iran threatens a closing Strait of Hormuz amid Israeli strikes on Lebanon

Iran threatens a closing Strait of Hormuz amid Israeli strikes on Lebanon

Iranian armed forces announced Saturday a closing Strait of Hormuz, accusing the United States of failing to curb Israeli attacks that breach a newly‑signed cease‑fire. The move comes just three days after the waterway was reopened.

Why it matters: This marks the first major flashpoint between Washington and Tehran since a memorandum of understanding to end hostilities was signed earlier this week, and it unfolds as U.S. envoys prepare for nuclear talks in Switzerland.

“In light of the United States’ clear bad faith… the Strait of Hormuz will be closed to maritime traffic,” the Khatam al‑Anbiya headquarters declared.

U.S. Central Command reported that safe passage remained intact, with ↑ 55 merchant vessels transiting and moving more than 17 million barrels of oil to global markets. By contrast, pre‑war traffic averaged ↓ 130 ships per day, according to the Congressional Research Service.

The Revolutionary Guard navy warned all vessels to stay away, signaling that any further “aggression” could trigger additional measures. Meanwhile, senior U.S. defense officials say they see no Iranian forces mobilising to enforce a shutdown.

Diplomats from Tehran, led by parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and foreign minister Abbas Araghchi, are slated to land in Switzerland on Saturday, joining talks that Reuters says could shape the next round of nuclear negotiations.