Key facts
- Iran's joint military command announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
- The closure is attributed to Israeli attacks on Lebanon and alleged US ceasefire violations.
- The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global oil and LNG transport.
- The IRGC warned vessels not to approach the Strait of Hormuz.
- US Central Command reported 55 vessels transited the Strait of Hormuz safely on June 20.
- Commercial ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz increased on June 20.
Iran's joint military command announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil and liquefied natural gas transport, citing Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon and alleged U.S. violations of a ceasefire agreement. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed the closure and warned vessels against approaching the strait due to security risks. This announcement follows at least 29 deaths from Israeli attacks across southern Lebanon, despite a ceasefire mediated by Qatar and the U.S. Meanwhile, U.S. Central Command stated that safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz remained intact, with 55 merchant ships transiting and commercial traffic increasing on June 20.
Iran's military also stated that its negotiators, including parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, were traveling to Switzerland for talks, though spokesperson Esmail Bagahei indicated that progress might be limited until Iran felt the US was adhering to a deal.