Hormuz under threat again as Iran repeats closure warning
The American side denies that the strait has been closed (photo: Getty Images)
Iranian military command announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to maritime traffic on Saturday, June 20, citing several reasons, CNN reports.
The command said the decision to close the strait was made due to alleged violations by Israel of the ceasefire regime in Lebanon and the United States "failing to implement" the first point of a prior agreement to end the war.
"It hereby announces that the Strait of Hormuz will be closed to the passage of vessels. This is the first step in response to the enemy's violations of agreements, and if aggression continues, further measures will be planned and taken to force the enemy to fulfill its obligations," Iran's top joint military command, Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, stated.
Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance told Fox News that there is "no evidence" of the waterway being closed.
Iran's Fars news agency also reported that the Iranian negotiating team is expected to travel to Switzerland soon for talks with the United States.
US–Iran agreement
Notable that on the night of June 18, US President Donald Trump signed a framework agreement with Iran. The signing had been expected to take place on Friday, but the parties reached an agreement earlier.
The Friday meeting in Switzerland was not canceled. Talks between the United States and Iran on the nuclear program were expected (and possibly a formal signing ceremony of the framework agreement was still on the table).
However, the meeting was ultimately canceled. US Vice President JD Vance postponed his visit, citing issues that had not been fully finalized, while media reports suggested the reason was Israel's military operation in Lebanon.
It later became known that preparations for talks were still underway, and from the American side, they could be conducted by Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner.
Incidentally, on Friday, June 19, the media also reported that Iran had allegedly restricted vessel passage through the Strait of Hormuz. However, Iran's Foreign Ministry later denied the information.
