Iran’s central military command on Saturday announced that it has closed the Strait of Hormuz over Israel’s strikes on Hezbollah, arguing that the attacks are in violation US peace deal.
“It is hereby announced that the Strait of Hormuz will be closed to vessel traffic; It is noted that this first step is a response to the enemy’s breach of promise, and if the aggression continues, further steps will be planned and taken to force the enemy to comply with its obligations,” says the Khatam-al Anbiya Central Headquarters in a statement carried by state TV.
However, US Vice President JD Vance told Fox News there is “no evidence” that the strait is closed. He added that he expects to go to Switzerland soon for talks with Iran.
The latest development comes as ships had begun transiting the strait after the interim US-Iran agreement was signed earlier in the week.
Hours after the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah came into effect on Friday, IDF strikes on southern Lebanon on Saturday killed at least 16 people, including two children. If the conflict in Lebanon escalates, it could threaten the interim agreement between the US and Iran to end the war in the Middle East.
On Friday, Israeli ambassador to Washington, Yechiel Leiter, said on X that Israel "remains firmly committed to an immediate ceasefire" if Hezbollah honors the agreement and ceases hostilities.
However, Hezbollah said it had committed to the ceasefire but alleged that Israel violated it several times on Friday night.
