Iran closes the Strait of Hormuz again after signing peace agreement with the US, cites Israel’s refusal to withdraw forces from Lebanon as the reason

Iran closes the Strait of Hormuz again after signing MoU with the US.
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Soon after signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the US and announcing the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, Iran has again closed the strait, citing Israel’s refusal to withdraw its forces from Lebanon. As per reports, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) asked all vessels not to approach the Strait of Hormuz, which it said would remain closed until all the conditions of the US-Iran agreement, which include the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon, are fulfilled.

“Since Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon, the complete lifting of the naval blockade, and the withdrawal of American terrorist forces from the Persian Gulf and the region are among the main conditions of the agreement between Iran and the United States. The Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until these conditions are met. All ships are requested, for the sake of their security and safety, not to approach the Strait of Hormuz. Any vessel that defies this directive will be targeted,” the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGC-N) said.

The announcement by Iran came hours after the first round of US-Iran nuclear talks scheduled to take place in Switzerland today (19th June) was called off. US Vice-President JD Vance delayed a planned trip to Switzerland. No reason was provided for calling off the talks.

Earlier, the Persian Gulf Strait Authority had issued a directive asking vessels to submit requests to cross the strait at least 48 hours in advance. It said that, as per the MoU signed by Iran and the USA, during the 60-day period specified in the MOU, all vessels intending to pass through the Strait of Hormuz have to submit requests to the PGSA.

The authority said, “To avoid delays at the entrance or exit of the Strait of Hormuz, it is essential that passing requests, complete with all required information, are submitted at least 48 hours prior to arriving at the strait area. During the 60-day period, tariffs for security, safety, and environmental services, as well as related Iranian insurances, will not be collected from shipowners and will be borne by the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran.”

Trump says Iran is finished

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump posted a strongly worded message on Truth Social, threatening Iran with consequences. “We didn’t meet out of desperation, Iran did. They are FINISHED! We’ll play out the 60 days. They get no money, not ten cents!” Trump said.

The developments follow a fresh escalation between Israel and Hezbollah. The Israeli military on Friday confirmed that it carried out strikes at various sites linked to the Iran-backed terrorist group Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. The Israeli forces said that the strikes were carried out in response to ceasefire violations by Hezbollah. The strikes resulted in the killing of around 16 people.

Written by OpIndia Staff
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