Iran announces closure of Strait of Hormuz amid conflicting reports

Iran's military command announced on Saturday that it has closed the Strait of Hormuz to vessel traffic, citing Israeli strikes in Lebanon and a breach of the recently signed US-Iran memorandum of understanding. The announcement, carried by Iranian state media and reported by multiple news outlets, has been met with conflicting statements from US and Iranian officials.

According to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the closure is a response to what Iran describes as Israel's "continuous and relentless violation of the ceasefire in southern Lebanon" and a US failure to implement the first clause of the 14-point memorandum, which calls for the "immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon." The statement, read on state television and reported by several outlets, warned vessels not to approach the strait and said further steps would be taken if aggression continues, as reported by ABC Australia, Al Jazeera, and the BBC.

The closure, if enforced, would have significant economic implications, as the Strait of Hormuz is a vital waterway through which about 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas passes, according to the BBC. Al Jazeera noted that disruption to the waterway has already had a huge economic impact worldwide.

However, the US military has disputed the closure. Africa News reported that US Central Command (Centcom) said commercial ship traffic continued through the strait on Saturday, with 55 merchant ships transiting, "moving large amounts of cargo and more than 17 million barrels of oil to global markets." It was not clear, as the BBC noted, whether these transits occurred before or after Tehran's announcement.

Adding to the confusion, Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, denied reports of the closure on Friday, stating that shipping along the route continues and that the armed forces have taken measures to ensure safe passage as part of the memorandum, as reported by TASS. This denial came a day before the military's announcement, highlighting the apparent disagreement within the Iranian government.

Coverage comparison

Media coverage of the closure has varied in emphasis. ABC Australia framed the story around Iran's response to Israeli aggression and the upcoming US-Iran talks, while Africa News highlighted the US dispute. Al Jazeera and the BBC both stressed the breach of the memorandum and the escalating conflict in Lebanon. The Jerusalem Post, citing Iran's Mehr news agency, reported the closure as retaliation for the US and Israel's alleged breach, using the term "alleged." The Hindu also referenced "alleged violations." TASS, reporting from an Iranian perspective, provided details of the military statement and later reported that the strait remains closed, while also carrying the foreign ministry's denial.

Notably, the BBC reported that Iran had closed the strait "again," suggesting a previous closure, and linked the reopening to the US-Iran deal. Al Jazeera reported that 83 people had been killed by Israeli airstrikes on Saturday, while ABC Australia and the BBC reported at least 16 killed. The Guardian reported on diplomatic efforts, including a joint committee formed by Iran and Oman to discuss the strait, and Hezbollah's condemnation of an Israeli attack that violated a ceasefire.

Key claims

  • Iran's top joint military command announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, citing Israeli strikes in Lebanon and US breach of the memorandum, as reported by Al Jazeera, the BBC, and others.
  • The US military disputed the closure, saying 55 merchant ships transited the strait on Saturday, as reported by Africa News and the BBC.
  • Iran's foreign ministry denied reports of closure on Friday, stating shipping continues, as reported by TASS.
  • Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon killed at least 16 people on Saturday, according to ABC Australia and the BBC, while Al Jazeera reported at least 83 killed that day.
  • Iran says it will not reopen the strait until a ceasefire in Lebanon and lifting of oil sale restrictions, as reported by TASS.
  • Iran and Oman have formed a joint committee to discuss the strait, as reported by The Guardian.
  • Hezbollah says a fatal Israeli attack violated the ceasefire agreement, as reported by The Guardian.

Perspectives

Iran: Iran's military frames the closure as a legitimate response to Israeli aggression and US failure to honor commitments under the memorandum. Foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei has warned of "harsh retaliatory measures" if the US fails to fulfill its obligations, as reported by TASS. Iran also demands a ceasefire in Lebanon and lifting of sanctions on its oil sales as conditions for reopening the strait, as reported by TASS.

United States: The US military disputes the closure, asserting that commercial ship traffic continues. US Vice-President JD Vance expressed optimism about ongoing technical talks, saying things are "going well," as reported by ABC Australia. The US has not directly commented on the closure beyond Centcom's statement.

Israel: Israel has stated its strikes in Lebanon are in response to attacks on its soldiers and shelling of northern Israel. The Israeli Defense Forces said they struck "armed terrorists" who posed a threat, as reported by The Guardian.

Hezbollah: The Iran-backed group has condemned Israeli attacks as violating the ceasefire agreement, according to The Guardian.

International observers: The economic impact of the closure has been highlighted by Al Jazeera, with experts discussing the strategic significance of the strait.