Iran Claims Closure of Strait of Hormuz Amid Tensions in Lebanon

Iran has declared the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, linking it to ongoing ceasefire violations in Lebanon. This announcement has sparked significant concern, as the Iranian military cites Israeli attacks as a primary reason. However, US officials have contradicted these claims, stating that there is no evidence of such a closure. The situation remains tense, with Iran warning of further actions if hostilities continue. This development could have major implications for regional stability and international shipping routes.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 20, 2026, 19:32 IST

Iran's Announcement on Strait of Hormuz

On Saturday, Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, attributing this decision to ongoing violations of a ceasefire in Lebanon. According to reports from a major news agency, Iran's military command declared on state television that the strait is now closed due to Israeli military actions in Lebanon.

The Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters of Iran stated that the strait would be shut to all vessel traffic, citing the United States' failure to uphold the initial terms of a peace agreement aimed at resolving the conflict. Additionally, they pointed to Israel's persistent violations of the ceasefire in southern Lebanon and its lack of withdrawal from the region.

The military command described this closure as the "first step" in Iran's response to what they termed as breaches by their adversaries. They warned that further actions would be taken if hostilities persisted.

In contrast, US Vice President JD Vance, during an interview with a media outlet, dismissed these claims, stating that there is no evidence to support the assertion that Iran has indeed closed the Strait of Hormuz.