In brief
The Iranian military has re‑closed the Strait of Hormuz in response to Israel’s fresh assaults on southern Lebanon, citing a breach of a truce negotiated with the United States. The move comes after a recent cease‑fire between Israel and Hezbollah, yet Israel continues to strike targets, prompting Iran to warn of further punitive steps. U.S. Central Command stated that safe passage remains, noting an uptick in commercial traffic, but the strategic importance of the strait — used by 20% of global oil flows — means any disruption has wide-reaching implications. Iran’s announcement also signals its commitment to hold Israel accountable under the US‑Iran agreement, while Israel maintains that its operations in Lebanon are separate from the broader conflict with Iran.
The Iranian military announced it has shut the Strait of Hormuz again, urging vessels to avoid the channel after Israel resumed strikes in southern Lebanon.
Iran’s statement cites a violation of a cease‑fire that was part of a broader deal signed by the United States and Iran, which pledged to re‑open the strait as a symbol of peace. The Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy warned, “Do not approach the Strait of Hormuz; otherwise, your security will be jeopardized.”
The U.S. Central Command replied that safe passage through the strait remains, and noted that 55 merchant vessels transited on the day of Tehran’s announcement, although it was unclear whether this referenced the situation before or after the closure.
The strait’s significance cannot be overstated; it accommodates roughly 20% of the world's crude oil and liquefied natural gas. In 2025 alone, the channel handled about 20 million barrels per day, equating to nearly $600 bn in annual trade.
Israel’s continued operations come despite a cease‑fire that took effect at 16:00 local time on Friday, with the Israeli military declaring it would keep neutralising immediate threats. The violence reverberates through the region, prompting Washington to voice concerns that the conflict could undermine the Iran peace process.
The latest Tehran announcement follows a week of high tensions and a U.S.‑Iran agreement that urged both sides to resolve disputes within 60 days. Iranian officials signalled that the country would attend talks in Switzerland to demand compliance from the other side.
