Tehran, June 20: Iran has announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to shipping once again. This decision comes as Iran accuses the United States and Israel of violating a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
According to local media reports, Iran’s top joint military command, Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, stated that the US and Israel have “clearly violated” the first condition of the ceasefire agreement. Ongoing military activities in southern Lebanon were also cited as a breach of this agreement.
The headquarters indicated that due to the US’s failure to comply with the first clause of the MoU regarding the cessation of hostilities and the attacks by Israel in Lebanon, the Strait of Hormuz is now closed to all shipping traffic.
Notably, this MoU was signed digitally on June 18 by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and US President Donald Trump. Under this agreement, Iran, the US, and their allied nations committed to an immediate and permanent cessation of military actions on all fronts, as well as a pledge to avoid the use of force or military threats in the future.
Just a day prior, Iran had implemented new regulations for vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, requiring all ships to register in advance, obtain permits, and complete insurance formalities.
The newly established Persian Gulf Strait Authority announced these regulations. This body was created to restore commercial shipping along this strategic maritime route as part of the agreement between the US and Iran.
Meanwhile, the US Central Command stated that American forces have completely lifted the maritime blockade on Iranian ports and coastal areas, allowing unhindered passage for vessels. However, US warships will remain in the region to ensure compliance with all provisions of the agreement.
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