Iran announced today that it is closing the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes, accusing Israel of violating a ceasefire in Lebanon and the United States of failing to uphold the first phase of a tentative agreement aimed at ending the conflict, according to CNN.
However, U.S. Central Command rejected Iran’s claim, insisting that Tehran does not control the strategic waterway and that commercial traffic continues to move through the strait.
“Iran does not control the Strait of Hormuz,” Central Command spokesperson Captain Tim Hawkins said. He added that U.S. forces are monitoring the area to ensure shipping remains uninterrupted.
According to CNN, CENTCOM reported that fifty-five merchant vessels transited the waterway on Saturday, transporting more than seventeen million barrels of oil to global markets.
The developments come as officials from Washington and Tehran prepare for negotiations in Switzerland. U.S. Vice President JD Vance is expected to lead the American delegation, while mediators from Pakistan and Qatar will also participate in the talks.
Speaking to Fox News, Vance said oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz had returned to levels seen before the war began. He also said there was no evidence that Iran had succeeded in shutting down the passage.
Meanwhile, renewed fighting between Israel and Hezbollah continues to threaten diplomatic efforts. CNN reported that at least sixteen people were killed Saturday in Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon. Israel said the attacks were carried out in response to Hezbollah strikes.
Iran has warned that it will take what it described as “necessary measures” if the United States fails to fulfill its obligations under the preliminary agreement.
