Iran Reimposes Strait of Hormuz Closure, Cites Israeli Strikes in Lebanon as Breach of Agreement

Tehran: Iran announced on Saturday that it was once again restricting vessel movement through the Strait of Hormuz, escalating regional tensions and accusing Israel of violating commitments linked to the recently announced US-Iran peace agreement aimed at ending the wider West Asian conflict.

In a statement carried by state television, Iran’s Khatam-al Anbiya Central Headquarters declared that maritime traffic through the strategic waterway would be halted as an initial response to what Tehran described as a breach of obligations by its adversaries. Iranian authorities warned that additional measures could follow if military action continued.

The announcement came after renewed Israeli operations in Lebanon despite diplomatic efforts earlier this week that had raised hopes of de-escalation. As reported by AFP, Lebanese state media said Israeli air raids struck around 20 locations, while Lebanon’s civil defence agency reported that at least 16 people were killed in the Nabatieh region.

The latest developments have cast uncertainty over a preliminary agreement signed this week by US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian intended to stop hostilities across multiple fronts, including Lebanon.

As per reports by international media, talks scheduled in Switzerland to advance the process were postponed after fresh fighting erupted. On Friday, a US official announced a separate ceasefire arrangement between Israel and Hezbollah brokered with Qatari support.

However, Israeli military officials said operations resumed after alleging Hezbollah launched more than 50 projectiles at Israeli positions in southern Lebanon overnight.

Hezbollah has not formally claimed attacks following the ceasefire announcement, though senior Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah insisted any agreement must be fully respected and warned that resistance would continue against military action.

Lebanese authorities reported that Israeli strikes on Friday alone killed 47 people, marking the deadliest day since the US-Iran agreement was announced.