Iran Threatens to Close Strait of Hormuz Over Lebanon Ceasefire Violations

Iran’s Khatam al-Anbia command of the Revolutionary Guards announced Saturday afternoon that the Strait of Hormuz would be closed to shipping, saying the move responds to what it called violations of understandings by the United States and Israel and to continued fighting in southern Lebanon. A Foreign Ministry spokesperson said that if some of the other side’s commitments are not implemented, “the overall understanding will be in trouble.”

The Guards described the closure as a “first step” and warned that if the attacks continue, Tehran will consider additional measures against the “enemy.” On Friday, Iran had already issued new procedures for vessels transiting the strait, requiring passage requests at least 48 hours in advance and waiving transit fees for the next 60 days.

Meanwhile, Lebanese reports said more than 40 people were killed and more than 100 wounded in strikes since midnight. Iranian news agency Fars, quoting the Foreign Ministry spokesperson, said an Iranian delegation will travel to Switzerland to advance contacts and monitor implementation of the other side’s commitments.

The ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah took effect a day earlier, under understandings brokered by the United States and Qatar with Iranian assistance. Israeli officials said the IDF would continue operating in the security zone in southern Lebanon and would respond to any violation. Less than an hour after the truce began, sirens sounded in Zarit over suspected drone infiltration; the IDF later said two suspicious aerial targets were identified, but the incident ended without unusual findings or casualties. The army later said Hezbollah had violated the ceasefire and that it would keep acting to remove threats in southern Lebanon.