Iran says it has closed Strait of Hormuz over Israeli attacks in Lebanon

Iran Says It Has Closed Strait of Hormuz Over Israeli Attacks in Lebanon

Iran says it has closed Strait – Iran’s military has announced that it has once again closed the Strait of Hormuz, citing Israeli air strikes in southern Lebanon as the reason. The move, however, has been contested by the US military, which emphasized that traffic through the critical waterway continues uninterrupted. The dispute highlights the ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States, particularly as the latter seeks to maintain stability in the region through diplomatic efforts.

US Disputes Iran’s Closure Claim

A spokesperson for the US Central Command, Tim Hawkins, denied Iran’s assertion that the strait was closed, stating that “traffic continues to flow” and that US forces are actively monitoring the situation to ensure this remains true. “Iran does not control the Strait of Hormuz,” Hawkins added, underscoring the US stance that the waterway’s operations are not solely dependent on Tehran’s decisions. This contradicts Iran’s claim that the closure was a direct response to Israel’s military actions in Lebanon.

“Things are actually getting better there, and things are slowing down a little bit,” said US Vice-President JD Vance, who is set to travel to Switzerland for direct talks with Iran. The vice-president expressed optimism about resolving the conflict, emphasizing the importance of addressing both the nuclear issue and the Lebanon ceasefire. Vance also noted that the US and Iran are committed to ensuring the safety of Israel and Lebanon, a goal he framed as central to the broader regional stability.

Iran’s Accusation of US Breach

The Iranian military framed its closure of the strait as a reaction to the US’s failure to uphold its commitments under the recent agreement. According to Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman, Esmail Baghaei, the closure is a demand for the other side to “fulfil its commitments,” referencing the 14-point memorandum of understanding that outlines the terms of the deal. The first clause of this agreement requires the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon.

Iran’s decision to block the strait comes amid escalating clashes between Israel and Hezbollah. Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon reportedly killed at least 20 people, less than 24 hours after a new ceasefire between the two groups was announced. Lebanon’s health ministry reported that 4,057 people have died since the conflict resumed on 2 March. Despite the ceasefire, both sides have accused each other of violating the agreement, with Israel claiming it struck “dozens” of Hezbollah targets in response to rocket attacks.

Global Energy Implications

The Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime passage, is deep enough for the largest crude oil tankers and serves as a crucial artery for global energy trade. Approximately 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas flows through this narrow channel, making it a strategic chokepoint for international markets. Its closure could disrupt supply chains and send shockwaves through energy prices worldwide. However, tracking data from BBC Verify suggested that at least five tankers navigated the strait on Saturday, though some vessels appeared to have reversed course in the area.

Earlier this week, US and Iranian presidents signed an initial agreement aimed at ending the war, with immediate effect. The deal includes a commitment to further negotiations over the next 60 days to reach a final resolution. Despite this, US President Donald Trump hinted at potential unilateral measures, stating that the US could impose its own tolls on shipping in the strait if a negotiated agreement was not reached. This underscores the precarious balance between diplomacy and direct intervention in the region.

Pakistan’s Role in Mediation

Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, will attend the opening of the US-Iran talks in Switzerland, according to his office. Pakistan has long served as a key mediator in the region, hosting a previous round of negotiations between the two nations in April. The country’s involvement highlights its strategic position in brokering peace between conflicting parties. Sharif’s presence is expected to reinforce Pakistan’s commitment to facilitating dialogue and preventing further escalation.

Israel’s military operations in Lebanon have been justified as necessary to counter threats from Hezbollah, an Iran-backed group. The Israeli forces claimed they were targeting Hezbollah positions after the group launched over 50 projectiles into Israeli territory. A recent strike in the town of Barich killed a family of four, according to Lebanese state media. An Israeli soldier was also reportedly killed in the same region, adding to the casualties on both sides. Israeli officials have insisted that their actions in Lebanon are separate from the broader conflict with Iran, a distinction they argue is critical to their strategy.

Context of the Conflict

The current crisis in Lebanon traces back to the US-Israel strikes that killed Iran’s supreme leader in February. These attacks drew Hezbollah into the war, prompting retaliatory rocket fire and intensifying the conflict. The Iranian government has since accused Israel of violating the US-Iran agreement by continuing military operations in the region. Hezbollah, in turn, has criticized Israeli actions as an attempt to “sabotage” the broader deal with the US.

Iran effectively blocked the strait in February after US and Israeli strikes on its territory, causing significant disruptions to global energy markets. The closure of the strait has since become a symbol of Iran’s leverage in the geopolitical landscape. While the US insists that commercial ship traffic increased on Saturday, with 55 merchant vessels passing through, Iran’s move has raised concerns about the fragility of the peace agreement and the potential for renewed hostilities.

Looking Ahead to Negotiations

With the US and Iran preparing for direct talks in Switzerland, the focus is on resolving the immediate crisis and securing a lasting ceasefire. VP Vance’s participation signals the US’s determination to address the situation, even as Israel maintains its military presence in Lebanon. The talks aim to bridge differences over the nuclear issue and the regional conflict, but challenges remain in ensuring both sides adhere to the terms of the agreement.

As the situation unfolds, the international community watches closely. The Strait of Hormuz’s status is not just a matter of national pride for Iran but a critical factor in global energy security. The US’s ability to maintain open passage through the strait may depend on its capacity to mediate between Israel and Iran, while Iran’s closure serves as a reminder of its power to disrupt the flow of resources and assert its position in the region. The next 60 days will be pivotal in determining whether the agreement can hold or if the strait will become a battleground for conflicting interests once more.