Iran says it has closed Strait of Hormuz over Israeli attacks in Lebanon
Tehran's military announced the strategic waterway is shut once again following Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon, though US officials insist shipping continues as normal.The Iranian military has declared the Strait of Hormuz closed in response to what it describes as Israel's ongoing attacks on southern Lebanon, claiming these actions violate Tehran's agreement with Washington to end hostilities.
However, US Central Command has pushed back against the assertion. Spokesperson Tim Hawkins confirmed to media outlets that "traffic continues to flow" through the critical shipping channel, with American forces actively "monitoring the situation to ensure this remains the case." He added pointedly that "Iran does not control the Strait of Hormuz."
The strait in question is no minor waterway – approximately 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas passes through its waters daily. In 2025 alone, an estimated 20 million barrels of oil and petroleum products transited the strait each day, representing nearly $600 billion in annual energy trade, according to US Energy Information Administration figures.
Diplomatic efforts continue amid rising tensions
The developments come as US Vice-President JD Vance departed Washington on Saturday for direct talks with Iranian officials in Switzerland, scheduled for Sunday. Speaking to reporters before his departure, Vance expressed optimism about making progress "on the nuclear issue" and advancing "the Lebanon ceasefire issue."
When questioned about the clashes between Israel and Hezbollah, along with Israeli air strikes in southern Lebanon, Vance offered a measured assessment: "Things are actually getting better there, and things are slowing down a little bit."
He added: "It's going to be something we're just going to have to continuously manage to ensure that Israel and Lebanon are both safe and secure. That's fundamentally the goal of this, to make the whole region safe and secure."
The developments come as US Vice-President JD Vance departed Washington on Saturday for direct talks with Iranian officials in Switzerland, scheduled for Sunday. Speaking to reporters before his departure, Vance expressed optimism about making progress "on the nuclear issue" and advancing "the Lebanon ceasefire issue."
When questioned about the clashes between Israel and Hezbollah, along with Israeli air strikes in southern Lebanon, Vance offered a measured assessment: "Things are actually getting better there, and things are slowing down a little bit."
He added: "It's going to be something we're just going to have to continuously manage to ensure that Israel and Lebanon are both safe and secure. That's fundamentally the goal of this, to make the whole region safe and secure."
Conflicting claims and ongoing violence
Tracking data monitored by BBC Verify showed at least five tankers passing through the strait on Saturday, though several vessels appeared to make U-turns in the area. Centcom later reported that commercial ship traffic had actually increased, with 55 merchant ships transiting.
The Iranian announcement followed Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon that reportedly killed at least 20 people – less than 24 hours after a new ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah was announced. Lebanon's health ministry says 4,057 people have died since hostilities resumed on 2 March.
Both sides have since accused each other of violating Friday's ceasefire agreement. The Israeli military reported striking "dozens" of Hezbollah targets after the Iran-backed group allegedly fired more than 50 projectiles at Israeli forces. Lebanese state media reported an Israeli strike killed a family of four in the town of Barich.
Tracking data monitored by BBC Verify showed at least five tankers passing through the strait on Saturday, though several vessels appeared to make U-turns in the area. Centcom later reported that commercial ship traffic had actually increased, with 55 merchant ships transiting.
The Iranian announcement followed Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon that reportedly killed at least 20 people – less than 24 hours after a new ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah was announced. Lebanon's health ministry says 4,057 people have died since hostilities resumed on 2 March.
Both sides have since accused each other of violating Friday's ceasefire agreement. The Israeli military reported striking "dozens" of Hezbollah targets after the Iran-backed group allegedly fired more than 50 projectiles at Israeli forces. Lebanese state media reported an Israeli strike killed a family of four in the town of Barich.
Broader context
Earlier this week, US and Iranian presidents signed an initial agreement aimed at ending the war, including in Lebanon, with immediate effect. The deal includes a commitment to further negotiations over the next 60 days to reach a final agreement.
Iran effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz previously after US and Israeli attacks on the country on 28 February, sending shockwaves through global energy markets. The strait is deep enough for the world's largest crude oil tankers and serves as a vital artery for major Middle Eastern producers and their customers worldwide.
Earlier this week, US and Iranian presidents signed an initial agreement aimed at ending the war, including in Lebanon, with immediate effect. The deal includes a commitment to further negotiations over the next 60 days to reach a final agreement.
Iran effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz previously after US and Israeli attacks on the country on 28 February, sending shockwaves through global energy markets. The strait is deep enough for the world's largest crude oil tankers and serves as a vital artery for major Middle Eastern producers and their customers worldwide.
