The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy has warned vessels not to approach the Strait of Hormuz and announced the crucial waterway is closed again, Al Jazeera reports.
According to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by both the United States and Iran, the Strait of Hormuz was supposed to be opened for commercial shipping on Friday, 19 June. The US has already lifted its naval blockade of Iranian ports in exchange for a commitment to an open Strait by the Islamic regime in Tehran.
Limited movement did, in fact, begin in the waterway. However, there were warning signs of the deal collapsing early on, as Iran announced shortly after that ships must acquire permission to cross the Strait from the Persian Gulf Strait Authority, a new administrative body established by the Iranian government in May during the conflict.
This did not technically break the terms set by the MOU, as it only called for toll-free passage for commercial vessels for a 60-day duration, and did not stipulate anything about permissions.
Iran cited Israel’s continued strikes on Southern Lebanon as the reason behind the newly implemented closure of the Strait of Hormuz, as they claim it is a breach of the agreement. Israel’s latest attack on Lebanon reportedly killed 32 people.
However, there is a silver lining to the otherwise very damaging story for the Trump administration.
‘Iran cited Israel’s continued strikes on Southern Lebanon as the reason behind the newly implemented closure of the Strait of Hormuz’
Spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry of Iran Esmaeil Baghaei has told state media that an Iranian delegation is heading to Switzerland for further negotiations with the United States. American media has also reported that US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and Vice President JD Vance are about to go on an imminent trip to Switzerland to talk with the Iranians.
Delegations of the US and Iranian sides were originally supposed to meet for a ceremonial signing of the Memorandum in Geneva, Switzerland, on 19 June. However, the event was postponed.
This is not the first time Tehran has reversed course on reopening the Strait. In mid-April, Iran announced that commercial traffic would once again be allowed to pass through the waterway. The decision was rescinded the following day after President Trump refused to lift the naval blockade, having learned that Iran intended to impose tolls on vessels using the route.
The closure of the Strait is greatly disrupting the transfer of crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) globally, as about 20 per cent of the global transfer of those two crucial commodities flows through the narrow pathway.
Related articles:
At a time when public debate is increasingly polarized and superficial, Hungarian Conservative remains committed to depth, intellectual honesty, and independent conservative thought.
Producing high-quality journalism requires resources. Your contribution helps us expand our coverage, reach new audiences, and keep our content accessible.
Please consider supporting our mission.
