Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz as IDF Strikes on Lebanon Threaten Peace Talks

Iran’s Joint Armed Forces General Staff announced Saturday it was once again closing the Strait of Hormuz, citing renewed Israeli attacks on Lebanon and Gaza, in a move that escalates pressure on Washington just as senior officials prepare to meet in Switzerland for talks aimed at salvaging a fragile peace process.

Iran’s state news agency Mehr reported that Tehran accused the United States and Israel of violating the ceasefire set out in a memorandum of understanding underpinning the negotiations. In a statement carried by Iranian state television, Tehran described the closure as a “first step” in response to what it called violations of commitments, warning that further measures would follow if what it termed “aggression” continued.

The general staff statement said: “It is hereby announced that the Strait of Hormuz will be closed to shipping… This first measure is a response to the violation of commitments by the enemy. If the attacks continue, further measures will be planned and implemented to convince the enemy to respect its obligations.”