Iran Says Strait Of Hormuz Is Closed, Accuses US And Israel Of Breaching Ceasefire
The Iranian central military command says it has closed the Strait of Hormuz in response to Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon
The Iranian central military command says it has closed the Strait of Hormuz in response to Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon
Iran has accused the United States and Israel of violating the terms of a recently agreed ceasefire arrangement, warning that the situation threatens the fragile truce and heightens tensions across the region.
The latest dispute comes as Iran announced it was closing the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, while also condemning Israel for continuing military strikes in Lebanon despite the ceasefire framework aimed at ending hostilities.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmail Baghaei, said Tehran would use upcoming talks in Switzerland to demand that the US fulfil its obligations under the agreement.
According to Baghaei, Iran’s participation in the negotiations, scheduled to take place in Bürgenstock, Switzerland, will focus on ensuring that commitments made under the 14-point US-Iran agreement signed earlier this week are implemented.
Mediator Pakistan earlier confirmed that representatives from both the United States and Iran would attend the talks.
Speaking on Iran’s position, Baghaei said his country’s attendance would be aimed at “demanding that the other side fulfil its commitments”.
He stressed that progress towards a permanent settlement would depend on the implementation of key provisions of the agreement.
“Negotiations for a final agreement will begin only when the commitments set out in paragraphs 1, 4, 5, 10 and 11 have started to be implemented and continue to be carried out,” Baghaei said.
He added that those conditions had not yet been met and that Iran would be “pressing” the United States to honour its obligations during the Switzerland meeting.
The developments have raised fresh concerns over the future of the ceasefire, which was already viewed as fragile. Analysts say the latest accusations risk undermining efforts to secure a lasting agreement and could further destabilise an already volatile region.
Meanwhile, the US Central Command said safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz remained unaffected despite Iran’s announcement, noting that 55 vessels had successfully transited the vital shipping route.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints, carrying a significant share of global oil and gas exports. Any disruption to navigation through the waterway could have major implications for international energy markets and global trade.
Attention is now expected to focus on President Donald Trump and the outcome of the Switzerland talks, which could determine whether the ceasefire holds or slides further towards collapse.
