Iran has suspended vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy routes….reports Asian Lite News Desk
Iran has announced a renewed closure of the Strait of Hormuz, citing what it described as violations of a recently signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) by the United States and Israel, according to Iranian media reports.
The decision comes only days after Tehran and Washington announced an agreement that had led to the lifting of naval restrictions and the reopening of one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes.
In a statement carried by Iran’s semi official Mehr News Agency, the country’s top joint military command, Khatam al Anbiya Central Headquarters, said the closure was prompted by what it called an “explicit breach” of the first clause of the post war agreement by the United States and Israel. The command also cited continued violations of the ceasefire in southern Lebanon as a factor behind the move.
According to the statement, Iran believes commitments made under the agreement to end military operations and avoid future threats or use of force have not been honoured.
The headquarters said that, in response to the alleged violations, vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz would be suspended.
The MoU was reportedly signed on June 18 through a simultaneous digital process involving Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and US President Donald Trump, without an in person signing ceremony.
Under the agreement, the first article reportedly called for the immediate and permanent cessation of military operations involving Iran, the United States and their respective allies across multiple fronts, including Lebanon. It also included commitments to refrain from future military action or threats of force.
The latest development follows Iran’s announcement on Friday of new regulations governing ships transiting the strategic waterway. The rules required vessels to register in advance and obtain permits and insurance before entering the strait.
The measures were introduced after the earlier reopening of the route under the US Iran agreement and were overseen by Iran’s newly established Persian Gulf Strait Authority, which was created as part of the framework designed to restore commercial shipping through the passage following months of conflict.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical energy transit routes, carrying a significant share of global oil and gas exports. Any disruption to shipping through the waterway is closely watched by international energy markets and governments.
Before Iran’s latest announcement, the United States had stated that it had ended all blockade related operations affecting maritime traffic to and from Iranian ports.
In a statement posted on social media, US Central Command said American forces were no longer impeding the movement of vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports and coastal areas.
The command added that US naval forces would remain in the region to ensure that all aspects of the agreement were respected and fully implemented.
The renewed closure of the Strait of Hormuz raises fresh uncertainty over the future of the agreement and the stability of shipping operations in the Gulf, with international observers expected to closely monitor developments in the coming days.
