Iran closes Strait of Hormuz, accuses US of breaching agreement

Iran has announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, accusing the United States of violating a recent agreement and linking the move to ongoing Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon.

The decision was announced on Friday by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in a statement transmitted via maritime radio channels, according to reports.

The IRGC said Washington had breached the memorandum of understanding signed earlier in the week between Donald Trump, US President and Masoud Pezeshkian, Iranian President.

It stated that key conditions of the deal included the withdrawal of US forces from the region, the lifting of the naval blockade, and Israel’s exit from southern Lebanon.

According to the IRGC, the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until these conditions are fully implemented.

The group also issued a warning to all vessels to stay away from the strategic waterway, stating that any ship that ignores the directive would be considered a target.

The IRGC-linked Tasnim News Agency reinforced the position, saying the continued Israeli military activity in Lebanon amounts to a collapse of the agreement and should end all diplomatic engagement.

The development follows earlier Swiss-led efforts aimed at stabilising tensions in the Middle East, including plans to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and initiate a 60-day negotiation framework covering broader regional disputes.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical global oil shipping route, and its closure is expected to heighten concerns over energy security and international trade.