Iran has announced it is shutting the Strait of Hormuz again, accusing the United States and Israel of breaching the ceasefire agreement. The Iranian military pointed to Israeli strikes in Lebanon and American "bad faith" alongside its "clear breach of commitments" in failing to bring the conflict to an end. A statement broadcast on state television on Saturday cautioned that "if the aggression continues, subsequent steps have been planned."
Background on the Strait of Hormuz
Vessels had started passing through the strait - a waterway carrying roughly 20 percent of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies - following an interim peace deal between the US and Iran signed earlier this week. However, soon after the closure announcement, Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy issued a warning to all ships: "Do not approach the Strait of Hormuz; otherwise, your security will be jeopardised."
Israeli Strikes in Lebanon
The development follows Israeli air strikes on southern Lebanon on Saturday which claimed at least 16 lives, including two youngsters. Seven individuals remained buried beneath debris after strikes targeted the southern town of Nabatieh and surrounding villages, according to Lebanon's National News Agency. Intense fighting between Israel and Hezbollah on Friday resulted in at least 47 deaths in Lebanon and four Israeli soldiers killed.
An Israeli military spokesman confirmed on Saturday that Hezbollah launched over 50 projectiles at Israeli forces in southern Lebanon during the night. The army reported hitting dozens of Hezbollah positions and fighters, including rocket launch sites and command facilities.
Hezbollah's Response
In a Saturday statement, Hezbollah declared that despite its ongoing commitment to the ceasefire, Israel had breached it on multiple occasions overnight. The militant group further stated it would persist in fending off assaults by Israeli forces. According to the Lebanese Ministry of Health, Israeli strikes in Lebanon have claimed more than 3,900 lives and left 11,600 wounded since hostilities recommenced on March 2. Approximately one million people continue to be displaced, while scores of communities in the south have been left in complete ruin.
