Iran Blockades Strait of Hormuz, Citing Israel's Violations of Ceasefire Deal

Iran's military declared the Strait of Hormuz closed to all vessels on Sunday, accusing Israel of violating a U.S.-Iran ceasefire memorandum. The central command of the Iranian armed forces stated the blockade is a direct response to Israel's alleged breaches of the agreement and its failure to withdraw troops from southern Lebanon.

"The United States has clearly violated its promises to us and failed to fulfill the first article of the MOU," the Iranian military announced. "In response to the Zionist regime's continued ceasefire violations in southern Lebanon, brutal killings, forced displacement of hundreds of thousands of residents, and the Israeli occupation forces' refusal to withdraw from southern Lebanon, we declare the Strait of Hormuz blocked for all ships."

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The United States has clearly violated its promises to us and failed to fulfill the first article of the MOU. In response to the Zionist regime's continued ceasefire violations in southern Lebanon, brutal killings, forced displacement of hundreds of thousands of residents, and the Israeli occupation forces' refusal to withdraw from southern Lebanon, we declare the Strait of Hormuz blocked for all ships.

The military warned that this is only the "first measure" and that additional actions will be imposed if attacks continue. The memorandum's first article reportedly calls for an immediate and permanent end to military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon. This declaration comes despite Israel's agreement to a ceasefire with the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.

Reports indicate that Israel continued its airstrikes on southern Lebanon on Sunday, resulting in five deaths. The Israeli military conducted airstrikes on more than 10 locations in southern Lebanon using fighter jets and drones. This escalation threatens to undermine President Donald Trump's peace initiatives, which he had recently showcased to world leaders at the G7 summit. Trump's administration is reportedly preparing for working-level negotiations with Iran, but Israel's actions and Iran's subsequent retaliation may significantly complicate these efforts.

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This is only the 'first measure,' and additional actions will be imposed if attacks continue.