The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) of Iran has announced plans to close the Strait of Hormuz as a reaction to Israeli air strikes in Lebanon, according to various reports.
The Revolutionary Guards Navy issued a warning, advising vessels to avoid the area, stating that their safety could be compromised if they did not comply, as noted by NBC News.
Iran’s Supreme Joint Military Command elaborated that this closure is in response to what they termed a “breach of commitments” by the United States and Israel.
The IRGC Navy reiterated the warning to ships regarding the waterway, which Iran had agreed to keep open under a recent peace deal. They emphasized that the safety of these vessels would be at risk if they did not heed the warning.
The semi-official Mehr news agency reported that Iran’s Supreme Joint Forces Command described the closure as a “first step” against alleged violations by the U.S. and Israel.
In reaction to the IRGC’s statement, Colonel Tim Hawkins from U.S. Central Command commented that Iran “does not control” the strait, as reported by the Associated Press.
“Iran does not control the Strait of Hormuz,” Hawkins stated. “Traffic continues, and our military is keeping a watchful eye on the situation to make sure it stays that way.”
The same report indicated that an Iranian “negotiation team” was heading to Switzerland.
In a post on “Truth Social,” former President Donald Trump remarked, “There will be no tolls in the Strait of Hormuz for 60 days during the ceasefire.”
He added that beyond this 60-day period, there would be no charges for services to Middle Eastern nations as “Guardian Angels,” aside from potential charges from the United States if the agreement falls through.
The announcement about closing the Strait of Hormuz followed the release of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Iran and the U.S. A significant aspect of this agreement declares an immediate cessation of military operations from both nations and their allies across all fronts, notably in Lebanon.
The first item in the MOU states:
“The United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran, along with their allies in the current conflict, declare an immediate and permanent cessation of military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon. They commit to avoiding future conflicts, refraining from threats or use of force against each other, and ensuring the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Lebanon.”
The memorandum also indicates that Iran will make efforts to facilitate the safe passage of commercial vessels between the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman at no charge for 60 days.
It has been reported that President Trump signed the MOU during a dinner at the Palace of Versailles, while Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reportedly signed it remotely.
