Iran has announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, accusing the United States and Israel of breaching the ceasefire agreement. The Iranian military cited Israeli strikes in Lebanon and American 'bad faith' as justification for the move, stating that Washington had failed to end the conflict. State television broadcast the announcement on Saturday, with officials warning that 'if the aggression continues, subsequent steps have been planned.'
Resumption of Traffic Halted
Vessels had recently resumed passage through the strait—a critical waterway carrying approximately 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies—following an interim peace deal between Washington and Tehran earlier this week. However, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy has now issued a stark warning to all maritime traffic: 'Do not approach the Strait of Hormuz; otherwise, your security will be jeopardised.'
Israeli Strikes in Lebanon
The development comes after Israeli air strikes on southern Lebanon on Saturday killed at least 16 people, including two children. Lebanon's National News Agency reported that seven individuals remained buried under debris following the bombardment of Nabatieh and surrounding villages. Intense fighting between Israel and Hezbollah on Friday resulted in the deaths of at least 47 people in Lebanon and four Israeli soldiers. An Israeli military spokesperson confirmed that Hezbollah had launched over 50 projectiles targeting Israeli forces in southern Lebanon overnight. The Israeli Defence Forces reported striking numerous Hezbollah positions and operatives across southern Lebanon, including rocket launch sites and command centres.
Hezbollah's Response
In a statement on Saturday, Hezbollah reaffirmed its commitment to the ceasefire while accusing Israel of multiple breaches on Friday evening. The organisation stated it would resist any incursions by Israeli forces. According to the Lebanese Ministry of Health, Israeli strikes have resulted in more than 3,900 deaths and 11,600 injuries in Lebanon since the conflict began on March 2. Approximately one million people remain displaced from their homes, and many southern communities have been utterly devastated.
