Iran on Saturday announced the closure of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, accusing Israel of violating the terms of the recent US-brokered agreement aimed at ending the wider Middle East conflict.
The move comes as fighting between Israeli forces and Hezbollah continues in southern Lebanon despite the announcement of a renewed ceasefire.
Tehran said Israel’s ongoing military operations in Lebanon amounted to a breach of the agreement signed earlier this week between Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and US President Donald Trump. The deal was expected to halt hostilities across the region, including in Lebanon, a key condition pushed by Iran.
In a statement, Iran’s central military command accused both the United States and Israel of failing to uphold the agreement and declared that vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz would be suspended.
The waterway, one of the world’s most important routes for oil and gas exports, had been largely blocked by Iran during the conflict, triggering concerns across global energy markets.
Iran had agreed to reopen the strait under the initial agreement with Washington, and shipping activity had gradually resumed in recent days.
The latest development further complicates efforts to stabilise the region.
Planned follow-up talks between Iran and the United States in Switzerland were postponed indefinitely after Israel launched fresh air raids in southern Lebanon following the deaths of four Israeli soldiers in combat.
Although US and Qatari mediators announced a new ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah on Friday, both sides have since accused each other of violations.
An Israeli military official said fresh operations were carried out against Hezbollah positions after the group allegedly fired more than 50 projectiles at Israeli forces overnight.
Hezbollah, however, claimed Israeli troops attempted to infiltrate the Ali Taher hills near Nabatieh under the cover of the ceasefire, adding that its fighters confronted the advancing forces.
Lebanon’s health ministry reported multiple casualties from Israeli strikes in the south, including deaths in the Nabatieh and Sidon areas.
Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah defended the group’s actions, saying it had every right to respond to Israeli attacks.
Israel’s ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, insisted Hezbollah had violated the truce first and said Israel was acting in self-defence.
The renewed violence has left residents in southern Lebanon uncertain about their future.
“We returned to our village a few days ago, but our bags are packed in case we have to leave again,” said Fadi Zayat, a resident of Tayr Debba. “People are living in fear and waiting for a real end to the war.”
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, in a conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, called for an immediate end to Israeli strikes on Lebanese territory.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts continue behind the scenes. US envoy Steve Witkoff travelled to Switzerland to help revive negotiations, while Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi arrived in Tehran for talks with Iranian officials.
The postponed Switzerland discussions were expected to launch a two-month negotiation process focused on unresolved issues, including Iran’s nuclear programme. Swiss authorities confirmed that diplomatic contacts remain ongoing despite the delay.
