Key facts
- Iran claimed to have closed the Strait of Hormuz.
- The US Central Command reported that 55 merchant vessels transited the strait without disruption.
- President Trump threatened to impose tolls on the Strait of Hormuz if a deal with Iran is not reached within 60 days.
- US and Iranian delegations are set to meet in Switzerland for negotiations.
- Israel conducted a strike on Hezbollah on June 19 despite a ceasefire.
The United States and Iran presented conflicting accounts on June 20 regarding the status of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's state media, citing the IRGC-affiliated Tasnim news agency and the Khatam al-Anbia Central Headquarters, reported that the waterway had been closed to vessel traffic. This action was stated as a response to continued Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon following a ceasefire, which Iran claimed breached a memorandum of understanding with the US.
However, the US Central Command (Centcom) indicated that commercial shipping had not been disrupted. Centcom reported that 55 merchant vessels transited the strait on June 20, carrying more than 17 million barrels of oil, and affirmed that safe passage remained intact with US forces supporting freedom of navigation.
While no shipping incidents were officially reported, ship-tracking data showed mixed activity. Some vessels continued passage, while others, like the bulk carrier KSL Qingyang, halted. Some tankers appeared to be using a southern route closer to Omani shores, and several VLCCs were observed approaching the strait near Oman, with some potentially switching off their Automatic Identification System (AIS) signals around the time of Iran's reported closure.
US President Donald Trump addressed the issue of tolls in the Strait of Hormuz via Truth Social, stating that no charges would be imposed during the 60-day negotiating period and none thereafter unless the US chose to implement them if a final deal with Iran was not reached. Meanwhile, an Iranian delegation arrived in Switzerland for talks with US negotiators, led by Vice President JD Vance. Vance expressed hope for progress on the nuclear issue and the Lebanon ceasefire. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israel had carried out a strike on Hezbollah on June 19, despite the ceasefire, with Israel's foreign ministry accusing Hezbollah of violating the truce.