- Iran says the Strait of Hormuz is closed, citing ceasefire violations after Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon.
- U.S. officials disputed Iranian claims about the closure, stating that commercial vessels continued to operate in the waterway.
- U.S. Central Command reported that 55 merchant ships transited the strait on Saturday, carrying more than 17 million barrels of oil for global markets.
- The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy warned ships not to approach the waterway, stating that vessels' safety would be at risk.
- Israeli strikes in Lebanon have reportedly killed at least 16 people, including two children, according to Lebanese civil defense and media.
- Iran's top joint military command stated that the closure was the 'first step' in response to breaches of commitments by the U.S. and Israel.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, citing violations of a ceasefire agreement following Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon. The IRGC stated that the strait would be off-limits due to the U.S.'s failure to uphold commitments.17
Despite these claims, U.S. Central Command reported that 55 merchant ships transited the strait on the same day, carrying over 17 million barrels of oil to global markets. U.S. officials have disputed Iran's assertions, emphasizing that maritime traffic remains unaffected.234
The IRGC's statement highlighted that the closure was a response to what they termed as breaches by the U.S. and Israel, following a series of Israeli strikes that killed at least 16 people in Lebanon. The IRGC warned that vessels' safety would be at risk if they approached the strait.6
In a statement, the IRGC said, “In light of the United States' clear bad faith and breach of its commitment... the Strait of Hormuz will be closed to maritime traffic.” However, U.S. officials, including JD Vance, have expressed confidence in the strait's operational status, stating, “No, we're not seeing any evidence that the Iranians are still closing down the Strait of Hormuz.” The situation remains tense as Iran seeks to leverage its control over this critical waterway amid ongoing geopolitical conflicts.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has sent fuel prices soaring, raising concerns about global oil supply and market stability.
“Iran has declared the Strait of Hormuz closed, citing Israeli military actions in Lebanon. Meanwhile, US officials contest this claim, stating that maritime traffic continues.”
NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth
WANA News Agency