Iran has announced a fresh closure of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, accusing the United States of violating the terms of a recently signed agreement between the two countries.
Gatekeepers News reports that according to reports, Tehran said the continued presence of US forces in the region and Israel’s refusal to withdraw forces from southern Lebanon amount to breaches of the deal, prompting the latest action.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical maritime routes, handling a significant share of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Its closure has raised concerns about disruptions to international energy supplies and renewed volatility in global oil markets.
The move comes only days after Washington and Tehran reached a framework agreement aimed at extending a ceasefire, reopening the waterway, and paving the way for nuclear negotiations. However, Iranian authorities argue that key conditions of the agreement have not been fully implemented, particularly the withdrawal of foreign military forces and the complete lifting of restrictions affecting Iran.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard reportedly warned vessels against approaching the strait, while planned US-Iran talks in Switzerland have been postponed amid the renewed tensions. Analysts say the development could further complicate diplomatic efforts and increase uncertainty in global energy markets.
The latest announcement marks another escalation in the ongoing dispute over the waterway, which has been at the centre of regional tensions and international shipping disruptions for months.
