Iran Claims Closure of Hormuz Strait After Israeli Attack in Lebanon; US Confirms Waterway Remains Open
News Summary
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- Following Israel’s strike in southern Lebanon, Iran announced the closure of the Hormuz Strait, though US military forces have confirmed the route remains open.
- Direct talks involving the US and Iran on nuclear issues and a ceasefire in Lebanon are scheduled for Sunday in Switzerland.
- US Vice President J.D. Vance and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif are also participating in the negotiations.
June 20, Kathmandu – Following an Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon, Iran declared the closure of the Hormuz Strait.
However, US military officials have confirmed that the waterway remains open and maritime traffic continues uninterrupted. According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), 55 commercial vessels passed through the strait on Saturday alone.
Iran’s decision to close the Hormuz Strait came within 24 hours after an airstrike in southern Lebanon, which resulted in at least 20 casualties amid a newly declared ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel.
Following Iran’s announcement, US military spokesperson Tim Hawkins told the media that vessel movement in the waterway has not been obstructed and that US forces have been closely monitoring the situation. He clarified that Iran does not control the Hormuz Strait.
BBC data indicates that at least five fuel-carrying tankers navigated through the strait on Saturday, although some vessels did alter their routes.
Earlier this week, a preliminary agreement was signed by US and Iranian leaders aimed at ending ongoing conflicts.
The agreement calls for an immediate ceasefire across all theaters of war, including Lebanon. It also outlines plans to open the Hormuz Strait, through which nearly 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) transit occurs. The agreement sets a 60-day timeframe for further negotiations to finalize terms. However, deep mistrust and misunderstandings persist between the parties.
The signing ceremony for this agreement, initially scheduled for Friday in Switzerland, has been postponed.
Direct Talks Between US and Iran Set in Switzerland
Despite rising tensions, officials from the US and Iran are scheduled to hold direct talks today in Switzerland.
US Vice President J.D. Vance and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif are also participating in the negotiations.
Vance departed Washington for Switzerland on Saturday and is expected to join the talks set for Sunday.
Although initial reports suggested his trip might be postponed, international media confirmed his departure for Switzerland. Iranian officials have also arrived there.
Vance expressed hope for progress through talks addressing nuclear issues and the Lebanon ceasefire. Commenting on the tension between Israel and Hezbollah following the Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon, he stated, “The situation is gradually improving and violence is steadily decreasing.” He emphasized that ensuring the security of both Israel and Lebanon is a primary objective.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated that all parties must fulfill their obligations under the agreement.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister to Participate in Talks
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will also join the initial phase of the negotiations.
Pakistan has played a mediating role during the conflict. A session of US-Iran talks was held in Islamabad last April.
On Saturday, US President Donald Trump warned on social media that if no agreement is reached, vessels using the Hormuz Strait may be subject to fees.
Iranian forces justified the decision to close the waterway, accusing the US of failing to implement the first point of a 14-point understanding which calls for the immediate and permanent cessation of military activities in Lebanon and other regions.