Iran Announces Strait of Hormuz Closure Amid Israeli Attacks on Lebanon; U.S. Disputes Disruption

Iran's Revolutionary Guard declared on Saturday the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to maritime traffic, a move framed as retaliation for recent Israeli attacks on Hezbollah in Lebanon. Tehran characterized the Israeli actions as a "clear violation" of agreements with the United States. "Do not approach the Strait of Hormuz; otherwise, your security will be compromised," the Guard's navy warned oil tankers preparing to transit the vital waterway, through which approximately 20% of the world's oil consumption passes. However, Washington has dismissed the announcement, with U.S. Vice President JD Vance stating there is currently no evidence of disruption. "Yesterday (Friday), 16 million barrels of oil were transported through the Strait of Hormuz. You can see these ships continue to circulate," Vance said. U.S. Central Command (Centcom) echoed this sentiment, reporting that commercial maritime traffic through the strait actually increased on June 20, with 55 merchant vessels transporting significant cargo and over 17 million barrels of oil. Centcom affirmed that U.S. forces remain vigilant to ensure full compliance with agreements with Iran. The Iranian justification for the closure cited Israel's "continuous and relentless violation of the ceasefire" in southern Lebanon, along with the "brutal massacre and displacement of hundreds of thousands" of Lebanese citizens. The Iranian theocracy also referenced the "refusal of the Zionist occupation forces to withdraw from the territories of southern Lebanon." Recent Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon have resulted in at least 20 deaths, despite a U.S.-announced ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah just 24 hours prior. Local authorities reported fatalities in the Nabatieh and Saida districts following attacks by warplanes and drones.

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Do not approach the Strait of Hormuz; otherwise, your security will be compromised.