Iran has declared it will again blockade the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s largest oil shipping route, citing violations of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on ending the war with the United States. The move comes just two days after passage resumed under a US-Iran agreement.
On Thursday, Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, Iran’s integrated military command, issued a statement declaring the closure. “In response to the United States’ clear violation of the principle of good faith and failure to fulfill its commitments, including non-compliance with Article 1 of the MOU on ending the war, and as the Israeli regime continuously violates the agreement and fails to withdraw in southern Lebanon, we declare the closure for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz,” the statement said.
Iran argued that the war-ending MOU signed with the United States on Sunday is not being properly implemented. The agreement includes provisions to immediately and permanently halt military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon, and to guarantee Lebanon’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
However, Israel continued airstrikes on southern Lebanon even after the MOU’s announcement. After agreeing to a ceasefire with Hezbollah on Wednesday, Israel carried out airstrikes Thursday morning, citing a preemptive attack by Hezbollah.
US President Donald Trump claims he opposes Israel’s airstrikes on Lebanon, but Iran maintains that the United States bears responsibility, arguing that Washington either tacitly approves or instigates the attacks.
Khatam al-Anbiya also warned, “This measure is the first stage of our response to the enemies’ failure to fulfill their commitments, and if aggression continues, we will plan and implement next-stage measures to force the enemies to fulfill their obligations.”
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