Iran says it is closing Strait of Hormuz again amid Lebanon conflict

Iran announced on Saturday that it has once again closed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies. The closure is attributed to Israel's continued military actions in Lebanon, a development that jeopardizes international energy shipments and complicates delicate diplomatic efforts between Tehran and Washington.

The announcement comes as the United States and Iran were preparing to resume negotiations in Switzerland. These talks aim to advance a framework agreement designed to de-escalate months of regional tensions and foster stability. Iran's joint military command stated the strategic waterway was shut in response to "ongoing Israeli attacks in Lebanon."

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US forces remain present and vigilant to ensure all aspects of the agreement with Iran are adhered to, obeyed, and in full force and effect.

The Strait of Hormuz is a vital transit route, handling a significant portion of the world's oil and gas exports originating from the Persian Gulf. Its closure immediately drew a response from Washington. U.S. Central Command issued a statement asserting that "US forces remain present and vigilant to ensure all aspects of the agreement with Iran are adhered to, obeyed, and in full force and effect."

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I think we're going to hopefully make progress on the nuclear issue ... make progress on the Lebanon ceasefire issue. Those are the two big things that I think we're going to be focused on.

This is not the first time Iran has closed the strait; a previous shutdown occurred after joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iranian targets on February 28. U.S. Vice President JD Vance was en route to Switzerland for talks expected to focus on Iran's nuclear program and the escalating security situation in Lebanon. Vance told reporters that progress on the nuclear issue and a Lebanon ceasefire were the primary objectives.

The negotiations, brokered by Pakistan, are intended to implement a broader framework agreement aimed at ending the Iran conflict and stabilizing regional energy markets. Vance's trip was delayed after Tehran initially suspended its participation due to Israel's continued operations against Hezbollah. International media reports indicate escalating clashes between Israel and Hezbollah, despite a recently announced U.S.-brokered ceasefire. Lebanese officials report approximately 100 deaths from Israeli strikes in the past two days, while the Israeli military reported five soldier fatalities. Both Israel and Hezbollah have accused each other of violating the truce.

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Hezbollah continues to constantly violate the ceasefire.