Strait of Hormuz Closed Again, Iran Says, Following Israeli Strikes in Lebanon

On Saturday, Iran said that it was closing the Strait of Hormuz again in response to Israeli attacks in Lebanon, The action immediately triggered concern and added more pressure to the already fragile US–Iran discussions.

It came while negotiators were traveling to Switzerland to try to resume talks aimed at bringing an end to the Middle East conflict. Planned discussions were pushed back after Israel’s deadly strikes in Lebanon came in response to the killing of four Israeli soldiers in combat.

Despite Washington’s announcement of a renewed ceasefire under its Iran deal, but clashes still broke out on Saturday between Israeli troops and Hezbollah. Both parties claimed the other had violated the truce.

The Iranian central military command said that the Strait of Hormuz would be shut to vessel traffic, saying it was in reaction to a US “breach of agreement” and continued Israeli actions in Lebanon. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards cautioned ships to avoid the region, warning that they could not ensure their safety.

Since the Strait of Hormuz is a major channel for oil and gas trade, any disruption can quickly influence global energy markets. They added that maritime movement in the waterway had not stopped and that their forces were closely observing the situation.

The US president said that the United States might impose its own rules to the strait if negotiations fail to produce a deal.

Iranian and US officials are expected to keep talks going in Switzerland, aiming to settle key issues, particularly Iran’s nuclear program and the shaky Lebanon ceasefire.